Friends remember 6-year-old boy killed in dog attack

LATHAM – Pat Dunphy grew up in Latham, and went to Shaker. His son Avery died just before Thanksgiving. Family friends want to remember the little boy and celebrate his short life.

A crowd with shattered hearts paid tribute to 6-year-old Avery Dunphy at his funeral in New Mexico, where he lived.

His father, Pat Dunphy, is a Colonie native, and Pat’s close childhood friends, the Haddad brothers, spoke at Avery’s service.

"But even more beautiful was that the man that he made Pat, just being in Pat’s life," said Fareed Haddad. "And I have no doubt that Avery made a mark in all of our lives here today, in one way or the other, but we also know that Avery was sent here to save Pat’s life, and he changed Pat’s life forever."

It was just before Thanksgiving that Avery was killed in a dog attack at his grandparents’ home in New Mexico.

"Avery was a beautiful boy," said Stefanos Haddad. "He was sweet, he was kind, loving, goofy, and silly. Any room he entered, he brought it to life and filled it with joy."

Avery loved firefighters, and he loved green. Here at home, Pat’s friends created a special helmet, with help from Schuyler Heights and Watervliet firefighters, in loving memory of Avery.

As his coffin was wheeled out in New Mexico after the service, a firetruck was there in his honor.

Pat asked his friends to read his words — father to son.

"To my baby boy Avery," read Fareed Haddad. "You’ve brought so much love to the world. Your family loves you dearly. Words cannot express the sorrow we all feel, but you are in our hearts forever. I’m so thankful for the time we spent together, the Nerf gun fights, the pillow fights, the campfires, bike riding, and so many trips and memories that I will cherish forever. The world lost a beautiful soul."

Pat’s friends say he is going through the toughest time of his life, and they’re going to do all they can to show him love and support.

There is a GoFundMe set up for Pat Dunphy.