Long lines of mourners turned up in Holbrook for a memorial service honoring Gabby Petito's memory.
An artist rendering of Petito as an angel graced the chapel
at Maloney Funeral Home, where family members eulogized her.
Gabby's father, Joseph Petito, asked mourners not to be sad
— but to be inspired by his daughter's loving heart and zest for life.
Credit: Antoinette Biordi
“Love knows no gender. Love knows no bounds... she genuinely
loved people,” he said.
In a video montage, Petito’s family shared happier times –
family vacations and milestone celebrations that displayed her adventurous,
carefree spirit.
Two fire trucks were positioned one on either side of the
funeral home, each with its ladder extended and a line of firefighters was seen
filing into the building. Across the street, a chainlink fence was adorned with
posters featuring Petito's image and messages such as, “She touched the world.”
Mourners told News 12 that they hope the family can find
comfort and strength in knowing how much Petito meant to so many.
Credit: Antoinette Biordi; originally obtained by Andrew Enhinger
Credit: Antoinette Biordi; originally obtained by Andrew Enhinger
“I hope that they realize the love and support they have and
the backbone that this community has brought for them, that they're not
fighting this alone,” said Linda Woolney, of Nesconset.
Petito was reported missing Sept. 11 by her parents after
she didn’t respond to calls and texts for several days while she and Brian
Laundrie visited parks in the West. Laundrie was reported missing on Sept. 17
after he returned to North Port, Florida without her.
Her body was discovered last Sunday in a remote area in
northwestern Wyoming. Laundrie and Petito grew up on Long Island but in recent
years, moved to Florida.
Credit: Antoinette Biordi
AP Wire Services were used in this report.