In the quiet town of Fredonia the community is grappling with the sudden loss of Dylan DeLong a devoted father and cherished friend. The 34-year-old’s life was tragically cut short over the weekend when a tree fell onto his vehicle on Route 438 in Irving leaving his three children unharmed but claiming his life.

DeLong’s final words, as recounted by his mother Pamela Fox were a testament to his deep love for his children: “Are my kids okay?” and “Please don’t let them see me die.” These poignant words have resonated deeply with those who knew him, highlighting his selfless nature and unwavering dedication to his family.

Dylan DeLong: A father’s unwavering love

To those who knew him, Dylan DeLong was more than just a father; he was a beacon of love and support for his three children. Pamela Fox shared heartwarming anecdotes about her son’s dedication, noting that he would go to great lengths to make his children happy. “He’d have makeup on for his little girl. He’d be playing catch with his boys. Fingernails painted half the time. He did whatever they wanted,” she recalled.

DeLong’s step-father, Donald Fox echoed these sentiments, describing Dylan as someone who “lit up the room” with his infectious smile and fun-loving spirit. “He had just a humongous smile. He came in, and it was always something fun. You always knew you were gonna have fun when he came,” Donald shared.

A brother’s bond: Memories of a lifetime

Dylan’s role as a brother was equally significant. His siblings, Jonah Fox and Jayden Fox spoke fondly of the adventures they shared with Dylan. Jonah recalled, “Every time we hung out, it was always something fun. He didn’t really say no to any of us. It was always, ‘Do you wanna go play catch? Do you wanna go take a walk? Do you wanna go fishing?’ He didn’t care if it wasn’t his hobbies. He would do it anyway.”

Jayden, Dylan’s youngest brother, reflected on the wisdom his brother imparted. “There was a lesson in everything he said. He was always trying to teach you something,” Jayden said, highlighting Dylan’s role as a mentor and guide.

Community impact: A recreation counselor’s legacy

Beyond his family, Dylan DeLong made a significant impact on the Fredonia community through his work as a recreation counselor. Hayden DeLong Dylan’s brother, shared how Dylan’s influence extended to the children he worked with. “I grew up in Sheridan, so I went to Sheridan Recreation. And when my brother became a counselor at Silver Creek Recreation, I switched. The way he handled all of us, played with us, It was pretty amazing,” Hayden recalled.

Gavin DeLong Dylan’s younger brother, also spoke about the profound effect Dylan had on those around him. “You’re hearing stories from my dad about him as an athlete; that’s what I remember most about him, and how much it meant to me when he came to my games when I was little,” Gavin shared, highlighting Dylan’s support and encouragement.

Friends and family: A network of support

In the wake of Dylan’s passing, friends and family have come together to support one another and honor his memory. Anthony DeLong Dylan’s father, shared how the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. “We all knew how much he meant to us, but with this happening, the calls, the texts that we get and how much he affected other people,” Anthony said.

One of Dylan’s closest friends, Derek Pfleuger spoke about the profound impact Dylan had on his life. “He’d be there for me in the middle of the night whenever I called, if I needed something, always there to provide it, always including me in everything, never made me feel left out or anything else,” Pfleuger shared. Even after Dylan’s passing, Pfleuger found solace in the connections Dylan had fostered, leading to a heartwarming reunion with his own brother.

Pamela Fox also shared a poignant moment that brought her comfort. After a difficult morning, she asked for a sign that Dylan was okay. Moments later, lightning struck down one of the trees in the backyard of the home, a moment she saw as a message from her son.

The community will gather on Thursday at St. Columban’s on the Lake Chapel for a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Dylan DeLong’s life and legacy. As the town comes together to mourn, the stories and memories shared by those who knew him best paint a vivid picture of a man whose love for his family and passion for recreation left an indelible mark on all who knew him.