Funeral Arrangements Set For Union Boy Killed In Hit-And-Run

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Funeral arrangements have been set for beloved 12-year-old Jeremy Maraj, who was walking home when he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Union Township last week.

Visitations will be held on Thursday, July 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave., in Roselle Park.

Internment will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery & Crematory on Broad Street in Hillside.

Maraj's memory will forever live on as his organs were donated to other children through the NJ Sharing Network in New Providence.

"... Jeremy gave the gift of life to other children by donating organs to those in desperate need. This wonderful act has turned what is a tragedy to those who knew and loved Jeremy into a blessing for others. God bless you Jeremy and family," said Tom Ehrhardt, Jeremy's neighbor who created a GoFundMe page in his memory.

Maraj is remembered by his smile and positive attitude.

"Jeremy was a delightful young man who had a positive impact on anyone he was around. I can honestly say my life and the lives of all those he knew and loved were better because of him. He loved to play soccer and basketball and I'm not ashamed to admit he was better at both than I am or ever was. His memory will live on in all of us. Rest in Peace little man. You will never be forgotten," said Ehrhardt.

The fundraiser has already surpassed its goal to raise $30,000 in less than a week. Donations will be used to help offset expenses to his family.

"I've always thought of Jerry like one of my own. He was always around with that smile that could make even the worst of days not seem so bad," Ehrhardt said.

Maraj was on his way home from Irene Hoppe Park when he was hit by a white commercial van while crossing Galloping Hill Road in Union just before 8 p.m. on July 17, according to the GoFundMe page.

The van hit Maraj in front of 296 Galloping Hill Road, did not stop and kept driving north on the roadway, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said.

Maraj was rushed to University Hospital in Newark with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries on Friday morning, Ruotolo said.

The van was later found by authorities in Union along with the driver, Union Police said.

The tragic crash is now being investigated as a vehicular homicide by the Union County Homicide Task Force and Union Police Department.

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