NORTH SMITHFIELD – A GoFundMe campaign started by the family of a North Smithfield man who was critically injured in a shooting at Denis Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on February 16 has raised more than $55,000 for his medical expenses.
Thomas Geruso, age 54, remains in critical but stable condition following the incident, which took place at a Senior Night hockey game between Blackstone Valley Schools and a Coventry-Johnston co-op team.
The assailant, 56-year old Robert Dorgan, who was transgender and also went by the name Roberta Esposito, reportedly targeted members of his own family, shooting and killing his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their adult son Aidan Dorgan, and leaving three others in critical condition before taking his own life. Rhonda’s father, Gerald Dorgan, died from his injuries this week.
NRI NOW spoke with local officials immediately following the tragic event and was told that all families attending the game from North Smithfield were safe.
Geruso was among those critically injured, and was identified as a “family friend” in police statements following the tragedy. It was unknown at the time that Geruso, who serves as assistant principal at Shea High School in Pawtucket, was a North Smithfield resident and native, attending the game to support a North Providence player, the son of the shooter.
His son, Gian Geruso, started the campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 18, noting his father will need ongoing surgical intervention.
“My aunt, my brother and I have decided to create this Go Fund Me in the hopes to raise money for my dad for what’s to come next—surgeries, medical bills insurance won’t cover, physical therapy, mental health support and the basic day-to-day needs during what will be a long and uncertain recovery,” he wrote.
Gian noted that his father was close to Rhonda Dorgan, expressing sympathy for the Dorgan family. Rhonda’s mother, Linda Dorgan, also remains in critical condition.
Geruso has served in various roles for the Pawtucket School Department, also working previously at Goff Middle School and Tolman High School.
His family also issued a statement following the shooting.
“What was meant to be a celebration of youth hockey has instead become one of the most devastating days of our lives,” the family noted. “The outpouring of support from our family, friends, and community has meant more to us than we can put into words.”
As of Friday, Feb. 27, the campaign had raised $55,421.
The Burrillville Junior Hockey League will hold an Open Skate event at Levy Ice Rink at 425 East Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 11:40 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. to raise funds for the Dorgan family.
