Hoboken Priest, Sister Killed In Route 537 Crash In Freehold Twp.: Prosecutor

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A beloved Hoboken priest and his sister were killed and two other people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision Sunday night in Freehold Township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said Monday.

Dolores Guglielmelli, 87, and the Rev. Michael Guglielmelli, 81, both of Cliffside Park, were taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township following the crash that was reported at 6:48 p.m., said Charles Webster, spokesman for the prosecutor's office. Dolores Guglielmelli was pronounced dead at 7:49 p.m., while the Rev. Michael Guglielmelli died at 10:51 p.m., Webster said.

They were center-seat passengers in a 2005 Dodge Caravan that was hit from behind by a 2012 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck in the eastbound lane of Route 537 near the intersection of Wemrock Road, Webster said. The Caravan was stopped at a red light in the right lane of Route 537 when the pickup truck, driven by a 19-year-old Freehold Township man, hit the Caravan, he said. Both vehicles sustained a significant amount of damage, Webster said.

Two other passengers in the Caravan were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where Webster said they remain hospitalized with unspecified injuries. The driver of the Caravan, a 55-year-old North Brunswick man, also was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was treated and released, Webster said. The pickup truck driver, who was alone, sustained a minor arm injury in the crash and was treated and released, Webster said.

The Rev. Michael Guglielmelli was the retired pastor of St. Francis Church in Hoboken, according to a Patch report. The Guglielmellis lived in Hoboken for a number of years before moving to Cliffside Park.

“I'm incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Father Mike and his sister Dolores,” Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer wrote. “He was such an important part of our community — a warm person who made everyone feel welcome."

Webster said the crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team, and Freehold Township Police Department. Authorities ask anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the pickup truck before the crash to call Freehold Township Police Officer Michael Smith, badge 189, at 732-462-7908, ext. 6189. Callers are asked to leave a message with a contact number for call back.

Image via Shutterstock