Obituary: Anthony A. Raspa, 24

Anthony A. Raspa, 24, a New Jersey State Trooper and lifelong Highland Park resident, died Saturday after his patrol car struck a deer, then hit trees in Upper Freehold.

According to an obituary on the Selover Funeral Home website:

“Born in New Brunswick, Anthony was a lifelong Highland Park resident. He was very proud to be a member of the Highland Park community, where his father grew up. Anthony attended Irving and Bartle School and made lifelong friendships there. He completed his elementary education with his younger sisters at St. Matthias School in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, where he excelled in the classroom and participated in many community service activities.

“In 2008 Anthony graduated from Bishop George Ahr High School in Edison. Bishop Ahr was a second home to Anthony, where he was a peer leader, played football, was captain of the wrestling team, and was honored to receive the “Greater Middlesex County Sportsmanship Award.”

“He attended the University of Delaware, taking only 3 1/2 years to earn his bachelor’s degree in 2012. Anthony’s appreciation for different cultures inspired him to travel to many third world countries as part of the “Around the World Study Abroad Program.” Some of his fondest memories in college came from being on the crew team and being a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Fraternity - the National Leadership Honor Society. Anthony was also the UDEL recipient of the “Leadership Student of Promise Award.”

“A born leader, Anthony earned a spot in the 152nd New Jersey State Police Class, graduating in October of 2013. He was assigned to Troop “C” in Hamilton. He was so proud to become a NJ State Trooper.

“Trooper Raspa was a communicant of St. Matthias R.C. Church in Somerset. Anthony was devoted to his beloved family, loyal to his many friends and admired by all who knew him.

“Surviving are his parents – Salvatore and Elizabeth (Diaz) Raspa of Highland Park; three sisters – Maria (Raspa) Millner and her husband Gordon Millner of North Brunswick, Stephanie Raspa and Christina Raspa, both of Highland Park; his paternal grandmother Mary (Maiorano) Raspa of Highland Park; his maternal grandmother Nilda (Perez) Diaz of North Bergen; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins who will never forget his beautiful smile. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Anthony A. Raspa and his maternal grandfather Faustino “Rafael” Diaz.

“Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at St. Matthias Church, 170 JFK Boulevard, Somerset, NJ 08873. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to “The Anthony Raspa Memorial Fund” and should be sent to: State Troopers Fraternal Association, C/O The Anthony Raspa Memorial Fund, 2634 Highway 70, Manasquan, N.J. 08736. Arrangements are under the direction of Selover Funeral Home, North Brunswick.”

Photo courtesy New Jersey State Police