Service Held For Bergen County Teacher Killed In Alleged Hit-And-Run, Fundraiser Starts

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Students are mourning a mother of three, grandmother of two, and beloved teacher in a Bergen County school district who was killed in an accident last week. Services for "Mrs. Rosa" were scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, March 20, and a fundraiser has been started.

Elizabeth Feliciano-Rosa, 54, of Dumont, was identified as the victim of a hit-and-run collision in Dumont last Thursday, for which a 94-year-old man has been charged.

On Saturday, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said that Ernest F. Hofmann of Bergenfield has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and other charges.

On Friday, the Englewood School District sent a message to their community saying, "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and cherished friend, Elizabeth Rosa. Mrs. Rosa, known affectionately as "Mrs. Rosa" by her students, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run."

A fundraiser for the family had raised more than $43,000 by Wednesday.

"We are so grateful and bless to have Mrs. Rosa as our two sons' teacher," wrote one mourner, on the fundraising site. "She always cheerful and give encouragement to both Alexander and Maximilian. Rest In Peace Mrs. Rosa. You are alway in our hearts and memories."

"So many broken hearts. Liz was a kind, generous soul, and the best neighbor anyone could hope for," wrote another person."

An obituary said that Rosa earned her bachelor's from City College of New York, a master's from Montclair State, and was a "sought after" bilingual teacher who was preparing to be a college professor as well.

The obituary and details of services are here.

The fundraiser is here.

This was the message from the school district:

Englewood School Community Mourns Loss Of Beloved Educator Elizabeth Rosa

Mrs. Rosa was a cornerstone of the Englewood Public Schools community, dedicating nearly two decades of her life to nurturing young minds. Since September 2005, she served as a first-grade dual language teacher at Grieco Elementary School. Known for her infectious smile, boundless energy, and unwavering dedication, she touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families.

In her classroom, Mrs. Rosa exemplified both compassion and discipline, earning the adoration of her students while instilling in them a love for learning. Her passion for education was palpable and her commitment to her craft unparalleled. The void left by her absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent of Schools; the Englewood Board of Education; and the entire Englewood Public School District extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Rosa's husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family during this unimaginably difficult time. We kindly ask the Englewood School Community to keep the Rosa family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this period of profound loss.

Out of respect for the privacy of the Rosa family, we kindly request that their privacy be respected as they mourn the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Further information regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated as it becomes available.

In recognition of the impact of this loss on our school community, grief counseling services have been made available to all students and employees in need of support.

Mrs. Elizabeth Rosa's legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration during this challenging time.

More Details

Prosecutors said that on Thursday, March 14, around 5:19 p.m., the Dumont Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian, that occurred at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Madison Avenue in Dumont.

Feliciano-Rosa was taken to Hackensack University Hospital and later died as a result of her injuries.

Hofmann was charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law.

Find out more about Hofmann and his charges here: READ MORE: 94-Year-Old Man Charged In Hit-And-Run