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'Epitome Of A Warrior:' Morris County 8th Grader Dies After Brave Battle With Rare Bone Cancer

The East Hanover community is mourning the tragic loss of eighth-grade student John "Johnny" Edward Kinney V on Friday, Jan. 20 following an incredibly brave battle with a rare form of bone cancer. He was 14.

The East Hanover community is mourning the tragic loss of eighth-grade student John "Johnny" Edward Kinney V on Friday, Jan. 20 following an incredibly brave battle with cancer. He was 14.

The East Hanover community is mourning the tragic loss of eighth-grade student John "Johnny" Edward Kinney V on Friday, Jan. 20 following an incredibly brave battle with cancer. He was 14.

Photo Credit: East Hanover Police Department via Facebook

Born in Livingston, Johnny was a lifelong resident of East Hanover, where he attended East Hanover Middle School and played on the Florham Park/East Hanover Falcons Football Team, his obituary says.

Johnny was also a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima RC Church and a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Johnny is described as an “exceptional human” whose sense of humor was “unmatched.” His brave battle was documented on a Facebook page called “We Are Johnny Strong.”

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe launched at the time of Johnny’s initial diagnosis with "an extremely aggressive form of bone cancer, Osteosarcoma," in December 2020 remained open and had raised nearly $62,000, while a MealTrain had raised nearly $3,000 as of Monday, Jan. 23.

Tributes also poured in from numerous police departments and other local agencies:

Perhaps most touching was the candlelit vigil held at East Hanover Middle School on the evening of Johnny’s passing:

Johnny is survived by his dedicated parents, Gayle (De Trolio) and John E. Kinney IV; his loving sister, Madelin; his maternal grandparents; Nana and Poppy De Trolio; his paternal grandfather, John E. Kinney III; his paternal grandmother, Olympia Corsi; as well as many extended family and friends who will cherish his memory forever.

Donations can be made in Johnny’s honor to The Valerie Fund (2101 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040).

“His ability to bring an entire community together, unprecedented,” reads Johnny’s memorial. “Johnny was the epitome of a warrior. He never backed away from a challenge.”

Johnny’s memorial was held at St. Rose of Lima RC Church on Monday, Jan. 23.

“Even when going through chemo, he fought with every fiber of his being,” his obituary says. “He had his inside jokes with friends and family, and a smile that lit up a room. Johnny made people laugh right up to the end. He will never be forgotten.”

Click here to view the full obituary of John "Johnny" Edward Kinney V.

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