On a somber Monday, a community gathered to honor and mourn the lives of an entire family lost in a heartbreaking car accident. Family, friends, and community members came together to remember the Dobosz family, whose lives were tragically cut short in a wrong-way collision as they embarked on what was meant to be a joyful family vacation.

The Dobosz family, which included Thomas Dobosz, his wife Lauren, their children Emma, Lucas, Nicky, and Ella, along with a 13-year-old friend of the children, set out on Sunday, July 31, toward a summer destination in Minnesota. Their journey was tragically interrupted in McHenry County, Illinois, when another driver, traveling the wrong way, struck their vehicle. The impact was catastrophic, causing both cars to burst into flames, killing the driver of the other vehicle, 22-year-old Jennifer Fernandez, as well as Lauren Dobosz and the five children.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found Lauren and the children had succumbed to the accident, while Thomas was transported to Loyola University Medical Center with severe injuries. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Thomas succumbed to his injuries just days later, adding another layer of loss to this heart-wrenching tragedy.

The loss of the Dobosz family sent shockwaves through the local and extended community, inspiring an outpouring of support. People came together to show solidarity and compassion, raising substantial funds to help cover funeral expenses. In just three days, the community raised nearly $100,000, a testament to the love and respect the family had inspired through their involvement in the local area.

A month later, on Monday, August 29, loved ones and community members attended a funeral service in Des Plaines to bid farewell to the Dobosz family. The service was a poignant reminder of the lives that had touched so many hearts. During the ceremony, Thomas Dobosz’s sister, Agnes Vasilkovski, spoke of the family’s legacy, expressing gratitude for the time shared with them. Her words echoed the pain and resilience of the loved ones left behind, as she thanked God for the strength they had found over the past few weeks. “We’ll definitely need it,” she said, conveying the enduring sorrow that would accompany them in the days to come.

Reflecting on Thomas and Lauren’s lives together, Agnes shared memories of the deep bond they shared. “Tom met his perfect match in Lauren,” she said, describing how the two supported and cherished one another. Agnes noted that while she didn’t know Lauren during her childhood, she had grown to understand her as a dedicated wife, a caring mother, and a loving sister-in-law. She went on to honor the profound dedication Lauren showed to her children, stating that they were the center of her life. In a moving gesture, Agnes closed her tribute by echoing the final words often shared between Thomas and Lauren: “Love you babe, until we meet again.”

The Dobosz family had been active members of their community in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Both Thomas and Lauren were known for their enthusiastic involvement with the Oriole Park Falcons, a youth sports team that had become a second family to them. The couple volunteered their time, supporting the football and cheer squads and lending a helping hand wherever needed. Lauren had been a regular fixture at games and events, cheering on her children and creating a positive environment for everyone involved.

Coach Sam Filpi, a mentor within the Oriole Park Falcons community, reflected on the incredible impact the Dobosz family had made. He expressed disbelief and sorrow at the loss, recounting how he was at a complete loss when he learned of the accident. “You don’t know what to do in that situation,” he admitted, sharing his personal grief as well as the collective grief felt by the Falcons community. Coach Filpi recalled how Thomas and Lauren were always willing to lend a hand, whether it was fixing a door on the field’s equipment shed or supporting the children at games. “We are in this as a family,” he added, emphasizing the strength of the community bond that had been formed.

The Dobosz family’s absence has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew them. Friends and neighbors remember them not just as a family unit but as a family deeply devoted to one another and committed to making a positive impact in their community. Lauren’s kindness, Thomas’s generosity, and the children’s joyful spirits made them beloved figures. Their presence at community events was always felt, and their absence has left many struggling to find ways to honor their memory.

The Oriole Park community, like so many others who knew the Dobosz family, has committed to remembering them not only for the tragic way they left this world but for the kindness, love, and support they brought to it. Their lives were a testament to the value of family, friendship, and community, qualities they demonstrated every day through their interactions with those around them.

As the days pass, the memory of the Dobosz family remains deeply cherished by everyone they touched. Though the pain of loss is immense, their legacy endures through the kindness they inspired and the many lives they touched. Their friends and loved ones will continue to remember the Dobosz family for their warmth, generosity, and love, carrying forward the spirit that Thomas, Lauren, Emma, Lucas, Nicky, and Ella brought into the world.

Our thoughts remain with everyone who knew and loved the Dobosz family, as they seek strength to heal and remember the joyful moments shared with those who are gone but never forgotten.