Long Island Family Of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Gets New Home

SOUND BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island community is showing its support for grieving family members shaken by the loss of a dedicated soldier killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan.

CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported that more than 100 people jammed Tyler Avenue in Sound Beach on Long Island's North Shore to honor the memory of Sgt. Louis Bonacasa. He was killed during a Taliban attack last December while serving a fourth tour of duty in the Middle East.

"It's sad. A family doesn't have their father. He was a husband, a brother to sisters, it's hard," Chris Gallagher of Queens said.

The painful loss for widow Deborah Bonacasa and her in-laws is now being eased with a new home which was built at cost for the family by a local developer.

"Our subcontractors generously donated back their services and materials and what they could to keep the cost down," Mark Baisch of Landmark Properties said.

Deborah Bonacasa sees the home as a fulfillment of her husband's dream to provide a family home following the birth of their daughter Lily five years ago.

"I can't even describe this," Bonacasa said. "It's overwhelming, bittersweet, sad, a rollercoaster of emotions."

Neighbors even rolled out a brand new bike for Lily.

"Pretty cool," the young girl said.

There were more surprises inside the home, including a new washer and dryer, numerous gift baskets from neighbors and more toys for Lily.

A giant cutout picture of Sgt. Bonacasa greeted family members.

"I think it's a beautiful outcome of how the whole community can come through for me and my family," Vincent Bonacasa, the sergeant's brother, said. "I'm definitely appreciative."

Neighbors also raised $20,000 for the family, money Deborah Bonacasa intends to save for her Lily's future educational needs.

The family's new home is valued at $350,000, but it is being sold to the family for less than $200,000.