SEE INFORMATION ON MOTORCYCLE ESCORT UNDER THE DEATH NOTICE…

Spc. Jonathan Batista, 22, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan on July 8, 2012.

Born in New York City, Jonathan grew up in Rutherford before moving to Kinnelon 3 years ago. He was proudly serving his country as a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in the Zharay province of Afghanistan. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan. Jonathan has been awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.

Jonathan is survived by his parents, Jeannette and Erik Gaston; his brother, Andrew Gaston; his sister, Gabriella Gaston; his grandparents, Mercedes Castillo, Sonia and Pedro Batista, and David and Beverly Gaston; and many close relatives and friends. Jonathan loved spending time with his many friends, who easily took to him and his charismatic personality.

The family will receive visitors at Our Lady of the Magnificent RC Church, Kinnelon from 4 to 8 pm on Sunday, July 15. A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am Monday and interment will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jonathan’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 would be greatly appreciated by his family.The family would like extend their gratitude to all those who have honored Jonathan and supported them during this difficult time.

www.scanlanfuneral.com

Scanlan Funeral Home,
781 Newark-Pompton Turnpike,
Pompton Plains, NJ

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July 15 Sun .

There is an Motorcycle Escort planned from the Funeral Home to the Church. The procession will leave the funeral home between 1400 and 1430. All riders please report to the rally area for Ride Brief no later then 1330.

Rally Location: Goodwill parking lot
corner of Route 23 South and Jackson Avenue.

( There is an entrance to the parking lot from the southbound lanes of Route 23 and also from Jackson Avenue first driveway after the traffic light on Route 23)

1330 Ride Brief
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July 16 Mon. KIA Spc. Jonathan Batista

Final Services will be held Monday morning at the Our Lady of the Magnificent Church, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, NJ. Interment will be in the cemetery attached to the church immediately following