Inspired by their child

The Huertas family is ready for the Tour de Cure, an American Diabetes Association fundraiser. Malverne Building Department Superintendent Ausberto Huertas with his wife, Dena, and their sons, Gavin, standing, Nathaniel, in Dena’s arms, and Brendan.

Photos courtesy of the Huertas family

Alex Huertas at age 6.

Alex Huertas, who wanted to make a difference for those in need, took part in an Autism Speaks fundraiser at the South Street Seaport in 2011.

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Ausberto Huertas, better known in Malverne as Ozzie, has his hands full as superintendent of the village’s Building Department, Malverne volunteer firefighter, husband, father of three small boys and recent recipient of a master’s degree — his second — in civil engineering and transportation management, from New York University.

But Huertas and his family somehow manage to find the time to do more, driven by a desire to help those in need and continue the legacy of their son Alex, who had a penchant for helping others but died tragically two years ago, during a family vacation, at age 8.

“Alex was always very involved in trying to help people, very often sick people,” said his father. “Every time there was a fundraising event at school, each time there was a collection of some sort, Alex always looked to us, and other people, to help him raise money for people in need.”

The impact Alex had on his family and friends during his short life is reflected in the postings of many others on a ForeverMissed.com memorial page in his honor.

Inspired by his selflessness, the Huertas family is following in his footsteps. For the past several years they have taken part in Malverne’s St. Baldrick’s Brave the Shave event, in which donors shave their heads to raise money for childhood cancer research. They have also participated in Relay for Life, a fundraiser organized by the American Cancer Society.

Their latest philanthropic focus is the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, which raises funds for diabetes research, prevention, patient advocacy and public awareness. Founded in 1992, Tour de Cure takes place in 89 locations across the country. The Long Island event will take place on June 13, beginning and ending at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic.

Ausberto Huertas was drawn to the bicycling tour by the enthusiasm and passion of a family friend, Francesca Savino, the event’s assistant director. “We were babysitting her child so she could promote the Tour de Cure,” he recalled. “I had recently bought a bike so I could take my kids out, and I thought, ‘The Tour de Cure sounds interesting. It will motivate the kids to participate in something different. We’ve never done a bike tour before.’”