MIDDLETOWN – There was grief, of course, but also smiles and fond memories as those who knew and loved the late Marissa Rose Procopio-Quan came together this week to celebrate her life and remember.
Procopio-Quan, 15, loved the colors black and purple, wearing wide-brimmed cowboy hats, music and dancing, and wholeheartedly embraced her faith, recalled those who attended a memorial service on Tuesday conducted at the Jesus Fellowship Calvary Chapel, at the Leonardo Baptist Church. “She was one of the kindest, best people I ever knew,” said fellow Henry Hudson Regional School student and friend, Christian Smith, a 15-year-old fellow Atlantic Highlands resident.
“She was able to be herself,” said another friend, Nathan Gagne, 18, Atlantic Highlands. “She was unafraid.”
Procopio-Quan, who lived in Atlantic Highlands, was taken much too young, and tragically, last Tuesday when, authorities said she was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross State Highway 36 at the Avenue D intersection, in the township’s Leonardo section. Police said the driver and vehicle left the scene of the collision and their investigation determined the car was allegedly driven by Toni Marletta, 49, Leonardo.
Police have placed a flashing sign at that intersection asking for the public’s assistance with the investigation.
Quite a few of those attending the memorial either wore purple or had a small purple ribbon pinned over their heart, in honor of Procopio-Quan’s memory.
Gagne recalled Procopio-Quan would actually do somersaults/cartwheels down the school’s hallway during quiet times. He remembered her taking to wearing one black glove, missing the index finger. “Because she liked it,” he said. “I love that about her.”
The Rev. Bruce Koczman, pastor of Jesus Fellowship Calvary Chapel, and his wife Karen, told of Procopio-Quan’s commitment to her faith and to the fellowship. She began attending services and classes in 2009, when the fellowship had a church in Highlands, before Sandy destroyed it. And she regularly participated in its weekly youth ministry classes, Bruce Koczman said.
Karen Koczman recalled Procopio-Quan coming up to her with a beaming smile and a hand on her heart, telling Karen, “I get it,” explaining her religious awakening.
Vincent Whitehead had been Procopio-Quan’s teacher and cross-country track coach at Henry Hudson and was always struck by her energy and joy in life, rushing down the school’s hall giving him a hug, he told the more than 100 attending the service.
“They’ll be a lot more tears to come today and probably in the next few years when we think of Marissa,” Whitehead told the gathering. But for those who shared her faith, like Whitehead, he added, “This isn’t goodbye. This is Hey, Marissa, we’ll see you later.”
