The community gathered in West Haverstraw Monday to donate blood in honor of a beloved father who was killed this year.

Anthony Apostolico, 48, died on Father’s Day while driving on the Palisades Parkway. A tree fell onto his pick-up truck, which also injured his kids.

Apostolico was a cherished community leader and the owner of the Italian Food Center.

Margi Chapman regularly organizes blood drives in the area, but she says this one was personal for her.

“He had the most infectious smile….he’d say something and that smile just broke out and lit up the world,” she says.

Apostolico left behind his wife, son and three daughters.

His wife came to the blood drive and said she appreciates the community for turning out in her husband’s memory as well as their continued support during this difficult time.