A funeral was held Friday for a man who died of a rare disease just three years after his teen brother was shot and killed while standing on a sidewalk near their Bridgeport home.

Friends and family came to Willow Street to say their final farewells to 25-year-old Reggie Dawkins, brother of 12-year-old Clinton Howell, who was shot to death at that location three years ago.

Dawkins was discovered dead in his bed on April 23. His family says he suffered from muscular dystrophy and never had a long life expectancy due to his condition, but his sudden death still came as a shock.

State and local leaders paid their respects, commenting that the Dawkins family has set an example for everyone through their resilience and faith in the power of community.

Hundreds of people turned out to show their respect for the family who they say refuses to let grief get the better of them.

"In the grieving process, we definitely need to be strong for one another, family or just even as a community," said Gamel Dawkins.

Gamel Dawkins, the brother of both young men, is on track to become a state police officer and has generated media attention for his outspoken views and positivity. Gamel Dawkins has said he will never let tragedy or the streets bring him or his family down. Instead, he says it will inspire all of them to aim high, love each other and do their best in life.

Gamel Dawkins says he never stops thinking about Clinton and now the same will be true for his other younger brother, Reggie.