Hundreds attend celebration of life for deceased Freeport teen
The sound of sniffles echoed throughout the gymnasium from hundreds of people while they listened to friends and family of Dylan Tarbi share memories of the 13-year-old, who died Friday, May 24, in Buffalo Township, but the room erupted into sobs when the attendees heard from Dylan himself.
Dylan, a student at Freeport Area Middle School, died Friday evening after being hit by a pickup as he rode his bike with a friend along Cole Road. The East Union Presbyterian Church held a celebration of life for Dylan on Thursday, May 30. In addition to family and friends speaking about Dylan, the church played a video from Dylan’s confirmation preparations, where he signed off with what church leaders called a poignant statement.
“The next time you look at the sun, I hope you think of God,” Dylan said in his statement of faith video.
Reflections of Dylan could be seen around the gymnasium Thursday. His Scouting history was represented by members of his Boy Scout troop gathered on one side, and his baseball life was shown by members of his baseball team wearing their uniforms on another side. Numerous people in the crowded gym also sported blue shirts with “Tarbi 88” on the back — a number the Rev. Jo Ramsey said resembles two infinity signs.
The Revs. James Ramsey and Jo Ramsey led the celebration of life service, and each spoke about Dylan’s commitment to the church and his active role with the youth ministry.
“Dylan was mischievous, and he had a high-pitched scream that could break glass,” Jo Ramsey said. “But most of us knew him as kind and caring and respectful, a good friend.”
Throughout the service, the Ramseys invited attendees to join them in songs honoring Dylan. At the middle of the service, the Ramseys invited people to share their memories of Dylan at the podium. The first to speak was his older brother, Nathaniel Tarbi, who said he always liked it when Dylan shared stories about his school day with him.
“He was always a funny kid in my eyes,” Nathaniel said. “He told me about things that happened during the school day when he got home from school that always filled me with laughter.”
Renee Bogan, assistant principal at Freeport Area Middle School, said Dylan was a student who was friends with everyone. She shared a story from early in the school year, when Dylan sat with a younger student at lunch who was sitting by himself.
“He embraced every opportunity to spread joy and positivity wherever he went,” Bogan said. “I could not tell you or identify his friend group — he was literally friends with everyone — he radiated warmth and brightened even the darkest of days.”
Rich Cantolina, coach at Sanctuary Boxing Club, said Dylan had recently taken up boxing at the club, and Cantolina said he was always making other youths smile during lessons. He urged everyone to honor Dylan by acting like him in everyday life.
“Dylan was the kindest person in the world. He helped little kids, whoever the new kid was in school,” Cantolina said. “I ask all of you ... that every day, you do something in Dylan’s memory. Help somebody else out who needs it; help somebody who is new in school. Sit down with a new kid in school; help the little kids out. Do something for Dylan every single day.”
Several of Dylan’s friends also shared stories of him joking around in class or laughing together at the baseball fields.
Nathaniel summed up his thoughts with the quote, “You left without warning, gone so fast, now all we have are memories of our past.”
“While I wish Dylan and I had more time together, I will forever hold the memory where I did have my brother,” Nathaniel said.
