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Paola Velez Of Lodi, 32, Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle
Paola E. Velez, of Lodi, died peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. She was 32 years old, according to her obituary on the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home website.
A GoFundMe launched by Paola's family in September said she had been diagnosed with breast cancer “a few months ago.” Paola had started chemotherapy, but her condition worsened and rapidly spread to her brain and spine, the campaign said.
As of press time, the fundraiser had raised about $12,000.
Paola, Christian, and Dino
GoFundMe photo/Jorge Velez
Born in Ecuador, Paola came to the United States in 2004 and was rememb…
Syracuse Women's Basketball Star Tiana Mangakahia Dies At 30 After Cancer Battle
Tiana Mangakahia, a former star for the Syracuse Orange women's basketball team who played pro overseas, died at 30 following a lengthy battle with cancer, her family confirmed.
Mangakahia, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery before passing away on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Last week, Mangakahia said that her health had taken a negative turn, the cancer had progressed, and "it's now affecting me in ways that are hard to put into words," she wrote on Instagram.
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Death Of NJ Police Officer Spreads Sadness: Remembering Richie Ramos
A New Jersey police department is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Millville Officer Ricardo Ramos died Thursday, Sept. 11, after a years-long battle with glioblastoma, surrounded by family and friends.
Ramos, who was born and raised in Millville’s Center City, was in his 20th year of service to the department. Over his career, he worked as a patrolman, detective, and field training officer, mentoring and coaching many officers along the way, police said.
A GoFundMe for the officer's family, launched by Kenny Sharretts, had raised more than $46,000 as of press time.
Richie and L…
New Jersey Dad, Army Vet Jeffrey Krajicek Dies Months After Wife
After losing his wife Jane in March, Sparta’s Jeffrey Krajicek has died following his own battle with cancer.
Krajicek, 65, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, surrounded by his loving family, according to his obituary from Goble Funeral Home. Born at Fort Dix, Krajicek graduated from Winter Park High School in 1977 and the University of Florida in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, his obituary reads.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984, commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1985, and served in Germany before transitioning to military intelligence, according to his ob…
Bergen County Mom, 40, Dies After 2-Year Cancer Battle, Leaves Behind 2 Young Sons
Bergen County mom Kelly McGrath Baratta died Friday, Aug. 8, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She was 40 years old.
A devoted wife and mother, McGrath-Baratta found her greatest joy in her husband Gerard and their two sons, Leo, 7, and Luca, 2 ½, according to her obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website. A kid at heart, she loved summers in LBI, planning family activities, and recently made a dream trip to Disney World happen before her passing, her obituary reads. She worked for years as a successful event planner, known for her eye for detail and creativity.
McGrath…
Months After Wife's Death, NJ Dad Battling Stage IV Cancer
A New Jersey father is facing a devastating diagnosis, just months after his wife died of the same.
Jeff Krajicek, of Sparta, was diagnosed in April with stage IV bladder cancer, according to a GoFundMe organized by Isabella Tracey. As of Thursday, July 17, the fundraiser had raised $17,000.
Jane Elizabeth Krajicek died of colorectal cancer on Monday, March 17. She was 62 years old.
"Just a few months after losing his beloved wife Jane, Jeff is yet again facing an unimaginable fight," Tracey wrote. "This past April, he was diagnosed with an aggressive stage IV Bladder Cancer."
The co…
Murder Suspect Ruled Unfit For Trial As NJ Mom Battles Cancer And A Clock She Can't Control
The man accused of following a 27-year-old New Jersey woman home from the gym and killing her in her vehicle has been found unfit to stand trial, a judge ruled.
It's a decision that has devastated her mother, Janet Pizzelli, 60, who is now battling Stage 3 breast cancer as she waits for justice.
David Shroitman, 28, was indicted in April 2024 on charges including first-degree murder, hindering apprehension, and weapons offenses, after he allegedly followed Fealey home from the gym and stabbed her 37 times in her car on Jan. 30, 2024, prosecutors previously said.
On April 10, 2025, Shr…
Nj-born Officer Dies After Yearlong Battle With Cancer: 'Always Had A Smile On His Face'
Loved ones say Nicholas Lettieri gave everything he had to his role as a Torrington police sergeant — even while battling pancreatic cancer. Now, the community is coming together to repay that debt to his family after his death last week.
Lettieri, 34, of Southington, died Saturday, April 5, at Hartford Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, and their 2-year-old son, Finn. Both were at his bedside — along with members of his Torrington police family — when he passed.
In a traditional show of mourning and respect, the Torrington Police Department has draped black and purple bunt…
Grieving NJ Mother Hopes Cancer Won't Kill Her Before Daughter's Murder Trial Begins
“Mommy, tomorrow is going to be the most painful day of your life, and then it’s going to get better.”
That’s what Maryrose Fealey told her mother, Janet Pizzelli, on Jan. 30, 2024, the day before Pizzelli was set to begin chemotherapy for breast cancer.
“Well, she was wrong,” Pizzelli said of her daughter’s words. “It didn’t get better.”
It got worse.
That same night, Maryrose was stabbed to death by David Shroitman, who followed her home from the gym and killed her in her vehicle, prosecutors said.
David Shroitman
Somerset County Prosecutor's Office
More than a year later, Pizz…
NJ Mom Dies After Year-Long Cancer Battle: 'We Are All Devastated'
For Karina L. Andrade, giving up was never an option.
The 41-year-old Newark mother of three had just been promoted to chef manager at Sodexo, a moment she and her husband, who had also been promoted to executive chef, had been working toward for years, according to a GoFundMe started by Alecia Hemler.
Then, in February 2024 in a cruel twist of fate, a routine mammogram changed everything.
Doctors delivered the devastating news: Stage 4 aggressive breast cancer, the GoFundMe states.
Karina endured radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, battling through a summer of pain and uncertainty, the…
NYU Wrestling Captain From NJ Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit
Benny Bautista isn’t new to tough battles.
The 21-year-old captain of the NYU wrestling team and Paramus Catholic grad has spent years facing challenges on the mat. But now, Bautista, of Montvale, NJ, is up against something even tougher: Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
Despite the diagnosis that came just after New Year's, Bautista's unwavering spirit and selflessness have not faltered. For his teammates, Bautista is more than just a leader—he’s the glue that holds them together.
"When I think of altruism, I think of Benny," said Danny Lightfoot, team …
