Motorcade, Funeral Service Planned For N.J. Marine Killed In Mississippi

COLTS NECK, NJ — A memorial service will be held at Colts Neck High School this week for U.S. Marine Cpl. Daniel I. Baldassare of Colts Neck, who was killed last week in a plane crash in Mississippi, according to the funeral home handling his arrangements.

Baldassare, 20, was one of 15 Marines who were killed in the crash of a KC-130 that went down in a soybean field 85 miles north of Jackson, Mississippi, on a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina to El Centro, California, to transport personnel and equipment. A Navy sailor also was killed in the crash.

Baldassare is being transported back to New Jersey on Monday, according to the Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club of New Jersey, which announced it will escort his motorcade to Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

The motorcycle club said it along with chapters from as far away as Fredericksburg, Virginia, and several other motorcycle and veterans organizations will take part in the escort, which is expected to the leave Dover Air Force Base about 10 a.m. Monday and arrive at the funeral home at about 12:30 p.m.

"Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club is dedicated to the principles of honor and integrity and to always remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country and community and are honored to be able to provide this escort," the club said in a statement.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, on the football field at Colts Neck High School, Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home said. He will be interred at Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown with full military honors, the funeral home said.

>> READ MORE: N.J. Marine Among 16 Killed In Military Plane Crash

Baldassare was born in Manhattan, NY, and lived in Orangeburg, NY and Old Tappan, NJ before moving to Colts Neck, according to his obituary. He was a graduate of the Colts Neck High School Class of 2015 where he competed with the Colts Neck High School football team for four years.

During his senior year of high school, he enlisted in the Marines and, prior to arriving at boot camp at Parris Island, he attended Marine Corps poolee training to prepare for recruit training. He graduated boot camp in December of 2015. Cpl. Baldassare was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal and was based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY. He was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

"Daniel was a witty character with a passion for history. He was interested in diverse things and hyper-focused on studying them," his family said. "Dan found his solace driving while listening to country music and Bible verses. His interests included playing the ukulele and harmonica, and riding his skateboard. Daniel had a connection to the ocean, and loved going to the beach with family and friends, especially Long Beach Island and Manasquan Beach. A powerful presence, he could always rally the troops."

"An influential leader, Daniel was a man of character, integrity and honesty. His name was chosen because the biblical Daniel was a hero, loyal, a patriot and he defended his beliefs. He lived out the characteristics of his chosen name."

"Daniel had a drive and determination for what he liked with fierce perseverance. He was cultured and exposed to adaptability. Daniel was adventurous with a love of accomplishment. He had a calling to dare to be different. Daniel was generous, humorous, and loving. All along, he was preparing to remove himself from civilian life. As a Marine, Daniel continued to be a leader serving our country."

"His sister, Felicia was not only his sister, but his best friend and confidante. Their bond can never be broken even in death."

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Vincenzo Baldassare; and maternal grandparents, Antonino and Maria Cordaro. Cpl. Baldassare leaves behind his parents, Antonina Baldassare of Eastchester, NY, and Vincent I. Baldassare and his wife, Kelley, of Colts Neck, NJ; his sister, Felicia Baldassare of Colts Neck; paternal grandmother, Teresa Baldassare of Rochester Hills, MI; godfather, Mark Mallach of Prosperity, SC; uncle Aldo Baldassare of Rochester Hills, MI; aunts, Adriana Cordaro of Park Ridge, NJ Milena Gralow of Montvale, NJ; and cousins, Christina Gralow, Amanda Gralow and Steven Gralow; numerous great-aunts and uncles and their families; his girlfriend, Devin Goldring of Brooklyn, NY; and his faithful canine and feline companions, Bella and Gia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11 a.m. funeral service at the Colts Neck High School football field on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Interment with full honors will follow in Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown, NJ.

Remembrances in his name may be made to the Semper Fi Fund for Disabled Veterans, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelghia Road, Freehold Township. For directions, information or to offer condolences to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com

Photo provided by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home