Cyril Spinks, 26, was inside of his second-floor McCandless Street apartment when the fire broke out around 8 p.m. Monday, authorities said.
Affectionately known as "Chewy," Spinks -- formerly of Elizabeth -- had special needs and was being remembered as an "amazing soul."
The 1400 block building's second floor was fully-engulfed in flames when firefighters and law enforcement officers arrived, Linden police said.
Firefighters from Linden, Elizabeth, Rahway, Roselle Park, and Garwood battled the two-alarm blaze for about 45 minutes before it was extinguished.
Spinks' apartment was destroyed and a first-floor business suffered smoke and water damage, authorities said.
Donations toward arrangements can be emailed to Spinks' mom Alissa Green.
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