Melissa and Joe Gorga mourned the death of their close friend’s 2-year-old son, Landon Reed, on Saturday as a small mass was held in honor of the late toddler.
The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars took to Instagram where they each penned special messages in honor of Reed’s memory.
“Rest easy sweet angel 👼🏼 @landons__journey You were the strongest little boy. Your smile was infectious🙏🏼 You’ll be in our hearts forever 💙 Breathe easy now,” Melissa wrote.
She also shared a second statement in her Instagram Stories alongside a few more photos of her and the young boy.
“Sleep easy sweet angel,” she wrote.
In a separate post shared on his personal account, Joe shared his condolences alongside a picture of him and the late toddler.
“You blessed us all for 2 beautiful years. Go run and play now @landons__journey Breathe easy Now. 🙏🏼 We all love you so much,” Joe captioned the set of pictures.
Fellow “RHONJ” cast member Rachel Fuda, who is currently expecting her fourth child with husband John, also paid her respects on Saturday.
“May you rest peacefully in all of eternal life. Your spirit will live on within us all,” Fuda wrote on her Instagram Stories.
According to an Instagram account for Reed, he was diagnosed with Gaucher disease type 2/3. Gaucher disease types 2 and 3 are neuronopathic diseases that cause early onset brain damage, per the National Gaucher Foundation. There is currently no treatment for the fatal disease.
Reed’s death was announced on his account earlier this week.
“It is with overwhelming heartbreak that we announce the devastating passing of our sweet, loving Landon. We always knew he wasn’t ours to keep, but two and a half years wasn’t enough time. Forever wouldn’t have been enough time with Landon,” the caption reads.
“There are not strong enough words to accurately convey our family’s infinite love for him. His contagious smile altered our world and his spirit will always live on in our hearts. We know he was welcomed into heaven by family of course, but maybe more importantly, by an army of beautiful Gaucher’s disease warriors also gone too soon, eager to show him his new freedom.”
The statement closed: “Our hearts are shattered that we are now forced to love Landon from this new distance, but our unbreakable bond is everlasting. Our eternal love for him will be felt through every universe that lies between us. We will continue to speak of him and smile in his honor. He is forever treasured.”
