Outpouring of Love for Nicole Marzano

Like George Bailey, the hero of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, there comes a time in each of our lives where we question whether or not our time on this planet counts; if one life can truly change the course of others and leave a mark on our community and, possibly, the world.

All you need to do to find the answer to that question is to ask any of the hundreds upon hundreds of friends, family, classmates, and supporters of Nicole Marzano who came to in Westfield Friday night to honor her memory.

About 1,000 mourners came to honor Nicole, many shuddering in the mid-Autumn cold as they stood outside every entrance of the packed church. Vehicles stretched along both sides of Rahway Avenue; local police had to direct the traffic flow in and around the church. There were many who had never met Nicole but had come to St. Helen’s to support her family.

John Bolil, who has served as the Business Administrator for the Clark Board of Education and has also worked with Nicole’s mother, Francine, spoke freely about what Nicole and the Marzanos mean to so many in the Clark community.

“She was everything that anyone would want in a daughter," Bolil said. "She was talented, gifted vocally and athletically, a true scholar and role model that touched so many lives. This family represents everything good in our county. I think the outpouring of support tonight proves that the Marzanos bring joy into everyone’s lives. I feel like she’s my daughter and I’m only a Dutch uncle."

That feeling must have been one mourners shared as the line of love and support continued throughout the night. Teens and young adults were visibly upset. Some, like Nicole’s former soccer teammates stood in small groups, sharing an embrace as silent tears stained their cheeks. Others, like Anthony Mileto who graduated in the same class as Nicole last spring fought to hold the tears at bay.

“She was always so happy," Mileto said. "She was my friend."

Kevin Walsh, who is in his sophomore year at the University of Delaware graduated from Arthur L. Johnson a year before Nicole, but saw her frequently when she started her freshman year at Delaware. Walsh said he was honored to share his memories of Nicole, noting that even those who graduated three years before Nicole attended the wake to pay their respects along with many other members of the Clark schools' community.

“I saw her every day. Everyone knows that she was the nicest person. We miss her and we love her," Walsh said. "I am not at all surprised to see this many people here. Nicole would be so proud to see Clark united around her."

Kim Mogensen sang in the chorale with Nicole at ALJ. She noted that despite the onset of college finals, “everyone that could be here is here and the people that can’t are devastated.” Mogensen shared that Ryan Palmer, a friend and classmate of Nicole's, will be singing in her memory at Rutgers University this week.

“All week I have been playing back my favorite memories of Nicole in my head," Mogensen said. "She was an inspiration to everyone in chorale. She had a beautiful voice and a confidence that inspired others to be strong."

will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at , followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at and interment at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.