Staten Island, New York — A Staten Island mother who was remembered by loved ones as someone whose life revolved around her young son was fatally shot last week in what authorities are investigating as a suspected murder-suicide.
Dana Foley, 39, was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to her torso shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday inside a home on Garth Court in the borough’s Richmond neighborhood, according to authorities.
The quiet, tree-lined residential street became the scene of a deadly investigation after police arrived at the property.
Foley’s boyfriend, Dakota Suckstorff, 27, who lived at the home, was also found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital but was later pronounced dead, police said.
A firearm was reportedly recovered at the scene near Suckstorff’s hand.
Loved Ones Say Her Son Was Her Greatest Purpose
As investigators worked to determine what happened inside the home, Foley’s family and friends focused on remembering the woman they knew.
An online fundraiser described Foley as a loving and devoted mother whose son, Lennon, was at the center of virtually everything she did.
“More than anything else in this world, Dana was Lennon’s mom,” fundraiser organizer Nicole DeMeo wrote.
DeMeo said being Lennon’s mother was the greatest purpose of Foley’s life, adding that her plans and hopes for the future were centered around her son.
The tribute painted a picture of a mother deeply invested in her child’s life and future.
Friends Remember a Woman Who Made People Feel Loved
Foley was also remembered for the warmth she brought to people around her. DeMeo described her laugh as something that “could fill a room… and then some.”
She also said Foley had a special ability to make others feel welcome and valued.
“She had an incredible way of making people feel special,” DeMeo wrote, remembering how Foley made people feel “welcomed, remembered, loved, and cared for.”
Those sentiments were echoed by friends who had gotten to know Foley through her son’s activities. Christina DeClara, whose child played soccer with Lennon’s son, said the families eventually became close.
“Dana was one of us,” DeClara wrote.
She recalled soccer parties, cheering for the boys from the sidelines and carpooling, describing the group as collectively devastated by Foley’s death.
Father Shares Heartbreaking Tribute
Foley’s father, Kevin Foley, also publicly remembered his daughter in an emotional message. He described Dana as his firstborn daughter and his partner in supporting the New York Giants, before saying goodbye to her.
“I’ll forever love you always and forever!” he wrote.
His tribute ended with a message expressing his hope that they would meet again someday. The words reflected the profound loss facing Foley’s family as they prepare to move forward without her.
Former Coworkers Mourn Beloved Employee
Foley’s death also left an impact on the local business community.
The Original Goodfella’s Brick Oven Pizza, where Foley was remembered as a well-loved employee, shared a tribute describing her as a special part of the workplace family.
The pizzeria said Foley was deeply loved by those who knew her and would be missed beyond words. Her kindness, warmth and joy were highlighted as qualities that made her memorable to coworkers and customers alike.
Investigation Continues as Family Grieves
Foley reportedly lived more than five miles away in Staten Island’s Sunnyside neighborhood, while Suckstorff lived at the Garth Court home where the shootings occurred.
Authorities have not publicly established all of the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the investigation remains ongoing.
For those who knew Foley, however, her death is being remembered not simply as a police case but as the loss of a mother, daughter, friend and coworker.
Above all, loved ones say she was Lennon’s mother first — a role that brought her immense pride and shaped her hopes for the future.
As her family and friends mourn, the tributes continue to emphasize the impact she had on the people around her and the lasting love she leaves behind.
What do you think about the heartfelt tributes being shared for Dana Foley? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
