One day after a shocking, fatal crash claimed the life of a Marine Park man, support for his family has poured in.
More than $30,000 has been raised to help cover funeral costs for 42-year-old Ilya Perloff, who was struck and killed while riding a scooter at East 38th Street and Fillmore Avenue.
Cristina Leibert, a co-worker of Perloff’s wife, Melissa, created the fundraiser.
Perloff’s wife and Leibert work together at PS101 in Bath Beach.
Leibert said the news was devastating for the community.
“He was a devoted husband, a great father to his two girls. He would move around his schedule to spend more time with them,” she said. “It was tough. You put on a brave face for the kids, but we just wanted to show that we are there for her. You can feel the sadness in the building.”
Organizers said it was an emotional day at the Bath Beach public school where Perloff’s widow works.
They said the love for her and her late husband has inspired the outpouring of donations.
A funeral is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Marine Park.