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"Baby Reece passed away today at 12:03 p.m. Everyone has been so supportive and generous. Nicole and Mark cannot thank you enough," Benjamin DiFranco wrote on a GoFundMe page established for the boy’s parents, Nicole Nicastro and Mark Modzelewski.
Reece Modzelewski "has taken his last breath and received his wings," wrote Cecilia Vilchez. "He was surrounded by all who loved him including those in spirit.
"I want to take this time and speak on behalf of Nicole Nicastro and Mark Modz to thank everyone for all their outpouring support during this difficult time," Vilchez added.
"We want to thank the Saddle Brook EMTs and police officers, the staff here at Hackensack Meridian Pediatric service, the Jersey City educational districts, all the strangers who continue to giving their support, and lastly to all our friends and families for all the love that has been shown," she wrote.
"Nicole and Mark have truly felt everyone's love."
A family member babysitting the Carteret boy at the Saddle Brook home accidentally dropped him Tuesday afternoon, authorities told Daily Voice.
The Saddle Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps "did infant CPR and rushed the boy to [Hackensack University Medical Center]" after the tragic accident, Tuesday, Police Chief Robert Kugler said.
“My little baby boy is dying and there's nothing I can do to help or comfort him,” Mark Modzelewski wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday. “My heart has been torn out of my chest.
“I will miss feeding, burping, holding, playing, bathing, pretend yelling and disciplining, tummy time, putting him to bed, putting on his clothes, stretching his neck to fix his torticollis and especially changing his diaper.
“He is such a friendly, smiling and happy baby and we gave him all the love we could….I love you Reece and hopefully there's a heaven so I'll be able to see your goofy little smile again someday.”
Nicastro, who teaches Early Childhood Education at PS 38 in Jersey City, is considered an “integral part” of the school, a “true friend within the Pre-K grade level” and “a trusted right hand to the Adult Education Program,” DiFranco wrote on the GoFundMe page on Thursday.
“This is the one of the hardest decision anyone will ever have to make,” he added. “The love that Nicole and Mark have for their baby boy will be forever and he will be greatly missed.
“Your donation will assist them as their family heals from this inconceivable loss."
DONATE: In Honor of Reece Modz
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