'I Want You To Be Inspired By Gabby': Over 1,000 Attend Public Memorial For Gabby Petito On Long Island
HOLBROOK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There was a final farewell Sunday for Gabby Petito, the Long Island native killed while on a cross-country trip.
About a thousand gathered at Moloney's Funeral Home in Holbrook and thousands watched online to mourn the 22-year-old from Blue Point who touched hearts near and far.
"Although there is a lot of evil and wrong in the world, there is more good. There's a lot of good people out there. They are all in this room right now. They are all across the world," Petito's stepfather, Jim Schmidt, said.
Petito's life was celebrated by her father and stepdad. She was remembered as a free spirit and an example to enjoy every moment.
"I want you to be inspired by Gabby, that's what we are looking for," Petito's father, Joseph Petito, said. "If there is a relationship you are in that may not be the best thing for you, leave it, now ... The entire planet knows this woman's name."
Gabby Petito Search: Timeline Of Road Trip With Fiancé Brian Laundrie, Notable Dates And Events
Outside, banners draped a Long Island Expressway overpass. Inside, pictures and flowers filled a room with an empty urn, Petito's remains still in Wyoming.
Her death was ruled a homicide after her disappearance was followed worldwide.
With fiancé Brian Laundrie, they shared what appeared to be an enviable cross-country van adventure until she went missing and he went silent.
Her family pleaded for information, then evidence of a strained relationship surfaced.
Their worst fears were realized with the discovery of her remains.
With Laundrie still missing, Petito's friends want justice.
"I hope we get answers for her parents, for her family," Alexis Trama said.
"The people who know her and love her are grieving right now," Cheryl Sears said.
Also at the memorial were some of the throngs following the case from afar.
"I just really felt like me and Gabby shared a lot of things in common," one person said.
It's a tragedy that's pulled at heartstrings.
"I think everybody felt like, you know, if you had a daughter, you would want to help, you would want to do something and that just is gut-wrenching," Holbrook resident Brian Demurley said.
"Today we live in such a divisive world where everything is so polarizing, but this brought everyone together," said Rick Ammirati with the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce.
"I pray that all the other Gabbys are found," said Carol Seitz-Cusack with the Blue Point Chamber of Commerce.
Petito's parents have launched a foundation in Petito's memory to support other families of missing children.
Her father said no one should have to find their child on their own.
They describe the support they've received as overwhelming.
Indeed, Petito touched the world.
Meanwhile, police in North Port, Florida, say the FBI is leading the search for Laundrie. FBI agents returned briefly to Laundrie's home Sunday. The family's attorney says it was to retrieve items to assist with DNA matching.
