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Born in Chile, Roa came to the U.S. in 1983 and lived in Passaic before moving to Clifton and later Wood-Ridge.
A parishioner of St. Paul's RC Church, Roa proudly served in the U.S. Army as an MP retiring as a staff sergeant after 20 years of service.
More than $11,300 had been raised as of Tuesday afternoon for Roa on a GoFundMe, where he was remembered as a selfless citizen and soldier.
"Retired veteran SSG German Roa was an inspirational soldier and human being who not only lived his life to help friends and family, but also continued to serve his military friends in anyway possible," said Darren Orta, who is engaged to Roa's sister.
"Those of you who served with this amazing person know that his spirit and personality were infectious."
Roa is survived by his children, Josiah and Andres; parents, Juan and Soledad (Follmer) Roa; and sister Karen Roa and her fiancee Darren Orta.
Services are Wednesday at the Shook Funeral Home at 8:45 a.m. at St. Paul's RC Church at 10 a.m.
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