Arrangements Set For Hillside Officer Killed In Fatal Rt. 1 Crash

HILLSIDE, NJ — Giovanni (John) Esposito Jr., 30, of Hillside had recently graduated from the police academy and was just starting his journey and dream of serving as a Hillside Police Officer.

Not even a year after being hired at his hometown's police department, Esposito Jr., who was off-duty at the time, tragically died following a crash on Route 1 Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 in Linden.

"John was loved by all who knew him for his charismatic ways, his smile, laughter, and optimistic view of life," according to his obituary. "He embraced life to the fullest, filling everyone he knew with happiness and love. John would want us to celebrate his life and take solace in knowing we have him watching over us."

Esposito Jr. and a 29-year-old passenger from Colonia, were in a 2017 Acura RDX that was driving north on Route 1 when it collided with 2007 International tractor-trailer cab on Monday at around 2:15 a.m. Esposito Jr. and his passenger were transported to Newark University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. (See Related: Details Released In Fatal Rt. 1 Crash Of Hillside Police Officer)

Now arrangements have been set for this young officer's wake, funeral and burial.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave., in Linden. A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine RC Church, 1000 N Broad St. in Hillside. Entombment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery, 355 East Linden Ave., in Linden.

Esposito Jr. is survived by his parents, Giovanni and Maria Esposito, his sister Sonia Matias, brother Anthony and sister-in-law Michelle Esposito, nephews Marcos and Giovanni, nieces Ariana and Ava. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, his girlfriend Jessica, and close friends whom he considered his family.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 would appreciated.

"The men and women of the Hillside Police Department are deeply saddened to have learned the news of a vehicle crash last night in Linden, N.J. which took the life of one of our own, Officer Giovanni Esposito," Hillside Police Chief Vincent Ricciardi stated. "Officer Esposito was hired less than a year ago, in November of 2017. He then graduated at the top of his class from the Essex County Police Academy. Officer Esposito loved his job and was a warm and friendly person who was well-liked by all who knew him. He prided himself on serving the community of Hillside with diligence and compassion. His death is a profound loss to our department and we will miss him terribly. We wish his family solace and comfort during this extremely difficult time."

• See Related: Obituaries 'God Bless His Soul': Community Mourns Loss Of Hillside Officer

(Image via krowickifuneralhome.com: Giovanni (John) Esposito Jr., 30, of Hillside)

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