North Fork Community Comes Together To Celebrate Life Of Dylan Newman: 'Love, Laughter, And Smiles'

NORTH FORK, NY — The North Fork community will never forget him.

Three years have passed since Dylan Newman, 18, died, but his memory, and the love he shared with so many, lives on — strong and vibrant.

That message was abundantly clear Friday as scores gathered to support the not-for-profit organization, "Dylan Newman Forever 5" at the "3rd Annual Dylan Newman Forever 5 Golf Outing"fundraiser at the Island's End Golf & Country Club.

Under sunny blue skies, Dylan's family and friends shared memories, their faces wreathed in smiles — choosing, not to remain cloaked in grief, but to celebrate their beloved boy and his beautiful life.

Dylan was loved profusely by a community that rallied to support him and his family during their most challenging hours, organizing fundraisers and sporting his favorite color, green, as a reminder of a young soul whose light and impact remain eternally strong. And that love was palpable at the event, with green, Dylan's color, a vivid reminder of his vibrant spirit.

"Friday was my favorite day of the entire year — the Dylan Newman Forever 5 Golf Tournament," Olivia Daddona wrote on social media. "Being part of this day is such an incredible honor, and every time, I’m reminded of how powerful it is to see a whole community come together to celebrate and carry on Dylan’s light."

To his father Todd, mother Tanya, and sister Kelsey, Daddona said: "Thank you for continuing to show us all what it means to live like Dylan. Though the years keep passing, Dylan’s spirit is felt in every smile, every hug, and every act of kindness shared on this day. He will forever inspire us to live with love, joy, and purpose. This truly is the most special day — one that fills me with gratitude, hope and love."

One of her favorite moments, she said, was when Kelsey surprised her parents by flying in to mark the special day.

Reflecting on the golf outing before the event, Dylan's family spoke with Patch about the love and legacy their beloved Dylan has left behind — and why the event has such great meaning.

"One of Dylan's favorite pastimes was playing golf at Island's End. So, in honor of Dylan, we have the Annual DNF5 Golf Outing. On this day — which is, and will continue to be, on or around the day he passed — we celebrate the joy and happiness that encompassed the life of our Dylan," his mother Tanya, father Todd, and sister Kelsey said.

"As much as the day could be a sad one, we choose to celebrate Dylan with lots of love, laughter and smiles."

His family added: "During Dylan's battle with his disease, the community wrapped their arms around him and our family. Even though Dylan is not physically here, the community continues to honor his legacy by attending various events for the DNF5 Foundation."

His sister Kelsey added: "Dylan's message to everyone would be, 'Just smile and be happy, no matter what life throws at you. Just be kind and think of others. Always keep your head up,'" she said. "'Never let anyone tell you that you can't — just do! Whatever comes your way, tackle it with strength, courage, and with a simple smile.'"

The golf outing is especially symbolic, Dylan's father Todd said, because it captures the essence of his son. "Dylan loved playing golf with his friends," he said.

Dylan was a life force so strong, he united the entire North Fork in the truest form of love.

At his funeral in 2022, despite the sadness, there were touches of the joy that infused Dylan's life — everywhere, there was green, a nod to his love for the color. Green sneakers. Green ties. Green ribbons and green clothing. And also, the green wristbands adorned with the words "Team Dylan" that graced so many, many fundraisers for a young man an entire town loved as their own.

Together, all of Southold Town mourned. Town Hall itself was illuminated in green, an unprecedented act to honor a boy who brought a community together in caring.

As the many who loved him mourned, tributes to Dylan were a testament to the deep bonds he shared with family, friends, teachers, classmates, teammates, and even people he'd never met.

At a vigil held for Dylan, his father also spoke, remembering April 26, 2018, the day his family learned that Dylan had a tumor on his hip. Hundreds turned out for the first fundraiser, a "Dash for Dylan," at Southold High School, soon after.

"I ended what I had to say that day with, 'We have an army behind us,'" he said. "And this army is still strong."

As he faced the crowd in church at the funeral, Newman added: "We will mourn him for a little while — but we will celebrate him for the rest of our lives."

Speaking with Patch in recent months about her brother, Kelsey said: "They are so many ways to describe my brother from other people’s perspective but, from being his sister and being right by his side throughout his whole life, I would describe my brother as my hero. I have always looked up to Dylan my entire life and continue to do. Our bond was inseparable. Dylan could brighten up a room with his smile and laugh. All the memories with my brother — it was the little things I cherish. Going to practice together, talking and laughing in my room about everything. After long days taking trips to the hospital for treatment, I would go in his room to make sure he was good — but he was the one worrying about me and asking how my day was. That was just the person my brother was, always looking out for others before himself."

Kelsey said she's found the strength to move forward, despite the tremendous loss, by following her brother's example.

"We would both say to each other, 'Take one day at a time' and that’s just I did. Being his sister, watching him go through everything, he has given me strength in so many ways that I wish he knew. My brother is why I keep my head up every day, always have a brave face on when days are harder than others. He taught me to never to give up on anything that comes my way and that's the way I tackle it — because he never gave up and always had a smile on his face, every day."