Michael Larkin Death and Obituary: Smithtown, NY Mourns the Death of a Devoted Father and Husband

Smithtown, NY – A tragic car accident has claimed the life of Michael Larkin, a devoted father and husband who was loved by many in his community. Larkin, 38, was driving home from work on Friday night when his car collided with another vehicle on Route 347. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind his wife Julia and their four young children.

A Family Man and a Community Leader

Larkin was a well-known figure in Smithtown, where he lived with his family for over a decade. He worked as a project manager at a construction company, and was also involved in various activities at St. Patrick’s School, where his children attended. He coached soccer, basketball, and baseball teams, and volunteered as a chaperone for field trips and fundraisers. He was also a devout Catholic and a member of St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as a lector and a Eucharistic minister.

Michael Larkin’s friends and neighbors described him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who always had a smile on his face. He was passionate about sports, music, and movies, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was especially close to his children, Michael, 10, Katie, 8, Colin, 6, and Jack, 4, whom he adored and supported in everything they did.

“Mike was a great father and husband. He was always there for his kids, whether it was helping them with homework, playing games, or cheering them on at their games. He was their biggest fan and their best friend,” said Jessica Farrell, a close friend of Julia Larkin.

A Fundraiser to Support the Family

Larkin’s sudden death has left his family in shock and grief, as well as in financial difficulty. His wife Julia, who works as a part-time nurse, is now faced with the challenge of raising four children on her own, while also paying for funeral expenses and other bills. To help the family cope with this tragedy, Farrell has set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe, a platform that allows people to donate money online for various causes.

The fundraiser, titled “Mike Larkin”, has a goal of $30,000, and has already raised over $23,000 from 135 donations as of Sunday. The money will be used to cover the costs of the funeral, which will be held on Thursday, and to provide for the children’s future needs, such as education, health care, and counseling.

“We are raising money to help their family during this extremely difficult time. Mike was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind four young children, Michael, Katie, Colin & Jack. Mike was an integral figure at St Patrick’s School where all four children attend. Please consider donating to help their family,” Farrell wrote on the fundraiser page.

Farrell also thanked the donors for their generosity and compassion, and said that the family was overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community.

“Julia and the kids are so grateful for all the donations, prayers, and messages of love and sympathy. They are going through a very hard time, but they are not alone. They have a lot of people who care about them and who are willing to help them in any way they can. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity,” Farrell said.

A Reminder of the Dangers of Driving

Michael Larkin’s death is also a reminder of the dangers of driving, especially at night and in bad weather conditions. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, the car accident that killed Larkin occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, when it was dark and raining. Larkin was driving eastbound on Route 347, near the intersection with Terry Road, when his car was hit by another car that was traveling westbound and crossed over the median. The driver of the other car, a 25-year-old man from Commack, was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries. The police are still investigating the cause of the accident, and have not released the name of the other driver.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, killing over 38,000 people and injuring over 4 million people in 2023. The NHTSA also reports that night driving is more dangerous than day driving, as the visibility is reduced, the drivers are more likely to be fatigued or impaired, and the traffic is more unpredictable. The NHTSA advises drivers to follow some safety tips when driving at night, such as:

• Use your headlights properly, and make sure they are clean and aligned.
• Dim your dashboard lights and avoid using any other sources of light inside your car, such as your phone or GPS, as they can distract you and reduce your night vision.
• Keep your windshield and windows clean and clear of any obstructions, such as stickers, dirt, or frost.
• Slow down and increase your following distance, as it is harder to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles at night.
• Be alert and attentive, and avoid driving if you are tired, drunk, or under the influence of any drugs or medications that can impair your driving ability.
• Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and other hazards that may be harder to see at night.

By following these tips, drivers can reduce the risk of getting into a car accident at night, and protect themselves and others on the road.

A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived

Michael Larkin was a man who lived his life with joy, love, and faith. He touched the lives of many people with his kindness, generosity, and humor. He was a devoted father and husband who loved his family more than anything. He was a community leader who contributed to the well-being of his town and his church. He was a friend who was always there to lend a hand, a shoulder, or a smile. He was a person who made the world a better place.

Larkin’s life will be celebrated and honored by his family, friends, and community, who will miss him dearly and remember him fondly. His legacy will live on through his children, who will carry on his values and his spirit. His memory will be a source of inspiration and comfort for those who knew him and loved him.

Services to honor Larkin’s life will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Moloney’s Funeral Home, 840 Wheeler Road, Hauppauge. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, at 11:15 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 280 E. Main Street, Smithtown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the GoFundMe fundraiser or to St. Patrick’s School.

Rest in peace, Michael Larkin. You will never be forgotten.