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Support Surges To Help Family After Death Of UB Baseball Player, 18

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — After the death of Christopher Flanigan, an 18-year-old freshman and pitcher on the baseball player at the University of Bridgeport, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the community is rallying to help and support his family. 

Christopher Flanigan

Christopher Flanigan

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Flanigan, a lifelong resident of Derby, had received an athletic scholarship to attend UB, where he was a pitcher for the Knights.

"Chris was one of my old teammates ... He was one of those guys that always seemed to put a smile on my face. Good player, even better kid. He will be sorely missed," said one post at a GoFundMe page started to help his family.

"Chris was an amazing friend to me and was always there to make me feel better. He was an incredible guy with a big heart and always knew how to make you laugh. You have made an inspirational impact on my life," said another post. 

The GoFundMe was started by Lori Lostritto Paiva of Orange to help Flanigan's family. 

"My longest best friend, Lauren Stankye Flanigan, and her family have suffered the worst loss a parent can go through," Paiva said. "This tragic sudden loss is devastating to all." 

Paiva said he was an avid sports fan — and especially loved baseball. 

He enjoyed music, playing all sports and coaching younger kids. Flanigan was an avid New York Jets and New York Mets fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his brothers, family and friends, his obituary said. 

"He was loved by so many as he in return loved them," she said. "His time here with us was cut so short and as everyone knows at some point in their lives the hole it leaves in our hearts." 

A total of $6,140 of the $7,000 goal was raised in one day to help the family cover costs. 

Christopher Flanigan was born in New Haven on Feb. 8, 1999, the son of Scott and Lauren (Stankye) Flanigan. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Logan and Dillon Flanigan; grandparents Sally Stankye-Lindsay and Thomas and Bonnie Flanigan; aunts and uncles Bobby and Nancy Stankye, Kari and Scott Glidden and Lori and Jack Paiva; and cousins Bobby and Anthony Stankye, Thomas and Trevor Glidden and Nicholas, Zachary and Gabriella Paiva. 

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfathers, Robert Stankye and Franklin Lindsay. 

Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Treasured Times Inc., P.O. Box 152, Seymour, CT 06483. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.

Click here for the GoFundMe campaign. 

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