$142K Raised After West Islip Brothers Die In Sunday House Fire

WEST ISLIP, NY — The West Islip community has raised more than $142,000 in to support a family who lost two sons in a weekend house fire.

A GoFundMe titled "Matthew Kreamer & Kyle Dilegame", gained $142,089 within two days — almost triple its original goal of $50,000, — after the brothers were found dead in their Udall Road home early Sunday.

Matthew Kreamer was 24 years-old and Kyle Dilegame was 16 years-old.

Their parents, Joseph Dilegame, 54, and Toni Kreamer, 53, who also lived at the residence, were taken to the West Islip Fire Department to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, police said.

Toni Kreamer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and Joseph Dilegame was subsequently transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries, police said.

"Those fortunate enough to know the boys and their family, know that they are some of the greatest individuals you’ll ever meet," wrote Courtney Tasso, creator of the fundraiser. "Without a second thought, they’d do the same for us."

All funds will go towards medical bills, housing costs and "anything they need to cope with this horrible tragedy", the description said.

Supertindentent Paul Romanelli wrote a letter to school families addressing the tragedy, as Matthew Kreamer was a district graduate and Kyle Dilegame was a current student.

"While we cannot begin to imagine what a tragedy like this means to this family, we can do our best to support them, and each other, through this difficult time," Romanelli said.

He also went on to say that the district will have grief and counseling support for its students.
Support will also be available for any parent, family member, or staff member in need on Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the West Islip High School library.

"In difficult times, we are stronger together. I know that we will each provide all of the love and support that we can while we navigate this situation as one West Islip family," Romanelli said.

West Islip School District students and staff wore blue and gold on Monday, as a "Unity Day" in honor of alumnus Matthew Kreamer, 24, and student Kyle Dilegame, 16.

The two brothers were found dead after a fire broke out at their Udall home early Sunday, police said.

The West Islip Fire Department also wrote an emotional post on social media, addressing the devastating event.

It thanked the West Islip Board of Education, the West Islip football teams and clubs, along with the West Islip parent organizations for generously donating and delivering lunch, snacks, and refreshments to the department on Sunday, after the emergency.

"We were able to come together as a community to honor those we lost," they said.

"The West Islip Fire Department extends its deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families, the students, and the community members who have been affected by this weekend’s tragic loss. We cannot thank these organizations enough for this gesture, and we are proud to call ourselves part of the West Islip community."

The fire department went on to say that it continues to stand by the community.

"While we have always celebrated our close ties with our community, this unity during trying times stands as a testament to our solidarity," the post said. "We are united now more than ever as we stand together to console one other, to offer support, and to remain resilient. We are one. We are a community. We are West Islip Strong."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.