A beloved Bridgeport resident has died, leaving behind a large family who is now struggling to get by.

Betzaida Velasquez's husband, Gustavo Rodriguez, unexpectedly died of cancer last week. Velasquez now has to care for a dozen family members, and four of them have disabilities.

Rodriguez is described as a well-known and respected resident. He died Sunday at Bridgeport Hospital.

Rodriguez had been sick for some time, but the family says they were shocked to find out recently that he had cancer.

"I promised I was going to be strong but I can't. It's hard, it's painful," said Velasquez.

Local leaders have come together to raise money for a fund the family has set up to pay for the funeral and to help Velasquez assume the role as head of her family.

Click here to donate to the fund.