Amid a global pandemic and frequent protests against police brutality, one Harrisburg family is determined to do what they can to honor their lost son.
Tyrone Gibson, 14, was killed May 26 when he was shot around the corner from his house.
On Thursday, Gibson’s family has planned a nearly all-day funeral and celebration for him at Reservoir Park. This won’t be the average funeral, as great aunt Almeda Evans said that social distancing will be important and masks will be required.
A table with hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and other protective equipment will be set up.
“We’re giving him a going-home celebration as good as we can as a city," Evans said.
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, State Rep. Patty Kim and Police Commissioner Thomas Carter are expected to speak during the funeral. Evans said she will also be speaking.
Following the funeral, Gibson and family will go to the private burial at Paxtang Cemetery, which will be limited to immediate family.
During the speaking part of the funeral service, there will be limited seating designated to immediate family, Evans said. She suggests that people bring their own chairs and expects each household group to social distance from other groups.
This type of event has never happened at the park before, Evans said and is only being done after discussion and planning with city officials and an agreement to social distance.
Evans said it is not totally clear but the family expects to return to the park pavilion around 4 p.m. Food will be provided, with special care taken.
Here’s a general schedule for the day:
- Public viewing, Bandshell in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg from 9 until 11 a.m.
- Private family viewing noon until 1 p.m.
- Funeral services at 1 and burial in Paxtang Cemetery
- Cookout around 4 o’clock.
Read more on PennLive:
- ‘I felt a piece of me break’: Family of teen killed in shooting remembers the funny, strong kid they lost
- Nearly 150 gather to mourn teen who died in Harrisburg shooting
- 14-year-old shot to death in Harrisburg was oldest of 6 brothers