Dad, I love you, thank you so much for being in my life. I will miss and remember you forever. Love, Sean

Jason, You are with Pop now, he will take good care of you. We all miss you. Love, Gram

A letter to Jason from his sister, Nicole...she asked me to read this since everyone knows she is a big sap and wouldn’t be able to keep it together...she couldn’t even make it through Amanda’s reading at her wedding without bawling her eyes out!! To be honest, I wasn’t planning on doing this...I really didn't think I could possibly find the right words to convey how much you mean to me, and to all of us...But, when Alexa, our 6 year old daughter, came home from school last night with her own letter to you...I had to try to put pen to paper...it’s the least I could do to celebrate your life that was taken from us so suddenly and make an attempt to share with our loved ones what we are all feeling but just can’t bear to say... Like everyone, I’m struggling with how any of this makes sense...I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact you aren’t here with us right now...I’m just plain angry — I do not understand how or why this could possibly be part of God’s plan... All your life Jay, you definitely kept us on our toes...especially Mom. She definitely got some gray hair raising you — Starting from at least when you were 18 months old!! I remember that time you went into your bedroom, locked your door, then climbed up onto the dresser and couldn’t get down because you pushed away the spaceship toy box that you had climbed on as a ladder. Mom had to call the police to get you out...(meanwhile I was apparently shouting “just shoot the door down!!” to the officer...) ...Then when you were 2 or 3, we were outside playing in Mullica Hill and our dog Satin was so excited to play too that he somehow managed to wrap his chain leash around your neck nearly strangling you. That dog somehow knew to lay next to you until Mom was able to untangle you... To the countless times you brought home all kinds of new pets — sometimes I think just to get a rise out of Mom’s reaction — lizards, snakes, etc. You always loved animals of any type, especially your dogs. To the time you came home with a tattoo that was supposed to be a picture of Jesus but apparently because Jesus was too expensive, you got the Grim Ripper tattooed on your arm instead!! Mom nearly fainted that time. Then there was the time you got your tongue pierced and Mom made you take it out immediately. Only to find out that when you went to sleepover a friend’s house, you tried to jam it back in. You had to come home so she could take you to the ER because it wouldn’t stop bleeding...you definitely tested her patience and her sanity yet her unconditional love for you never wavered. I can’t say that growing up, I fully appreciated the value of our relationship (as I’m sure is the case for many brothers and sisters) — I remember you always playing with your WWF wrestlers and annoying me and my friends as typical little brothers do...but as we got older, we did become closer. We bonded over the loss of several pets over the years (Shumba, Lassie, and Roscoe to just name a few)...we hung out more when we were in high school, went to concerts together when I was in college and always commiserated with eye rolls about mom’s crazy rants sometimes (sorry mom!). Even when we were older, we did still have an occasional fight...like that time Mom got us tickets to the Shaggy concert in Aruba and you got mad that I flushed your beloved herbs down the toilet. Looking back, I wish I had not taken for granted the time we had together. I should have called more, visited more, I should have hugged you more — if I had only told you what I’m saying now... Jason — you are one of the strongest people I know...after all the challenges and heartache you have faced in your short life...from coping with your father leaving us when you were just 4 years old, to having a baby at the young age of 18, from falling off a roof while working and breaking your back to overcoming the vicious fight with addiction...You always some how pulled through even the hardest of times. And I just know you would be so mad at us for sitting here and mourning the loss of you...you were always so humble and shy sometimes. If you were here, I’m sure you would say what you always told Mom growing up when she was upset....”I’m sorry, I love you...” and now we can only say the same back to you... Until I see you again...I will always see your face in little Sean’s eyes — I know how very proud you are of him and all he has become. We will do our best to watch over him for you. Mom always told us the story of when you were born —- you came out looking around, not making a peep, just like a little bird...well, that little bird lived fiercely, soared high and died a hero giving the gift of life to multiple people so they have more time and more memories with their loved ones...

Jason, I don't think you realized how much you were loved and now missed by so many. We are all so heartbroken over your loss. Your Aunts, Uncles and cousins will always miss you and keep you in our hearts.

Jason, my son, No words can say what I am feeling now, the loss of you is so great. It has been a horrible two weeks, you were such a kind and gentle person who loved all.. and all who met you, loved you. You were taken so suddenly from our family, we are still trying to figure out why? You were a great father, friend, brother, cousin,uncle and most important son. And in the end, you gave the ultimate gift of kindness, you donated your organs so other people could live on with their families and make memories. Hero.. that is what you are! We will look out for Sean, just as I know you will be looking out for us from heaven. I love you babe. Forever, Mom

Hey Jay, I'm so sorry! I loved you like a brother!. I'm so happy I stopped over to see you that Friday before you passed!. I miss you so much, and we we're just starting to get really close! If only I could hear you say to me..yo Er.. One more time!..lol.. David and I always loved coming to your house. You would always welcome us in with open arms.. Miss you bro! I don't think it ever gets better with time. Just know you had 2 best friends with myself and David! Till we meet again jay... Love you always will. Erica

Jay you were and always will be my best friend...u were there for me thru thick and thin...u were the best friend anyone could ask for!!! You will be truly missed, just want u to know we will keep your memory lived on! Hung out with your mom yesterday..we had a wonderful time!! We ordered the nachos as u always wanted them...much love and respect my brother!!

I love you Jay!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.