(credit: CBS 2)
WALDWICK, NJ (CBSNewYork) – A funeral was held Wednesday for a Marine from New Jersey who was killed in Afghanistan.
Hundreds of family and friends gathered at St. Luke’s Church on Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus to remember Staff Sgt. Joseph D’Augustine.
Hundreds of Waldwick residents lined the streets Tuesday as his body received a police escort through town. His casket, draped in the American flag, was then carried into St. Luke’s by fellow Marines.
“They’ve come from all over the country to pay their respects,” said D’Augustine’s father Tony. “He was our hero, our prince. He’s going to be badly missed.”
D’Augustine joined the Marines the day after he graduated from Waldwick High School.
The 29-year-old was a specialist trained to dismantle bombs and land mines. He was on his fourth tour of duty overseas, his second in Afghanistan. He died just two weeks before he was due to come home for his sister’s wedding.
D’Augustine was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group stationed out of Camp Lejune.
Staff Sgt. Joseph D'Augustine (credit: Handout via CBS 2)
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in memory of D’Augustine to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation or the Semper Fi Fund.
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