CRANFORD, NJ — A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support the family of Rocco Della Serra after he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Mountainside on Aug. 6.
The online fundraiser says Della Serra was Zsuzsanna Carlson's husband of three months and that the family is now facing funeral costs, immediate financial needs and other expenses tied to his death.
Fabian Parra, 35, of North Plainfield, was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of Della Serra, 65, of Cranford.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel said the crash happened Aug. 6 at about 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road in Mountainside. See Related: Drunk Driver Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run On NJ Highway
The fundraiser describes the loss in personal terms and says the couple had just started their married life together.
"Her husband of only three months, Rocco Della Serra, tragically passed away after being involved in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle," according to the GoFundMe.
The page says Della Serra "was an adventurous, active person who loved life" and says he enjoyed hiking, staying active, exploring and "living life to the fullest."
It also says his death left behind Carlson and Della Serra's children, who are mourning the loss of "their husband, father, and loved one."
The fundraiser says Carlson and Della Serra "had only been married for three months, but they were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together."
It adds that "in an instant, all of that was tragically changed."
The page also describes Carlson as "one of the most selfless and giving people you could ever meet" and says, "Zsuzsanna has never hesitated to show up for the people around her, and now Zsuzsanna is the one who needs people to show up."
According to the GoFundMe page, money raised will help with funeral and burial expenses, immediate financial needs, and the many unexpected costs that come with putting their affairs in order.
The fundraiser also asks people who cannot donate to share the campaign and keep Carlson, Della Serra's children and their family in their thoughts.
In the criminal case, Daniel said investigators found Parra was driving on Route 22 West, was under the influence of alcohol, ran a red light and struck Della Serra before continuing westbound.
Daniel also said Parra was found by Scotch Plains police about three miles from the crash site and arrested. He is being held at Essex County Jail awaiting his next court appearance.
For more information on the GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/support-zsuzsanna-after-roccos-loss.
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