After Parents' Murder-Suicide, Fundraiser Launched For NJ Child

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — An online fundraiser has raised nearly $9,000 to help a South Jersey woman take care of her niece after the death of her brother and sister-in-law in an apparent murder-suicide.

Jena Quinn, a friend and longtime colleague of Amy Mazza, launched the “Love for Amy” GoFundMe page following the deaths of her sister, Melissa Kolonich, and her brother-in-law, John Kolonich.

Authorities have alleged that John Kolonich fatally stabbed Melissa Kolonich at their home in Franklin Township in the early morning hours of Nov. 11.

They believe he then left in his car, left the road and crashed into the backyard of a home near Franklinville-Williamstown Road, and took his own life with a rifle while still in his car. Read more here: Man Killed Wife, Took Own Life In South Jersey: Authorities

Mazza was Melissa Kolonich’s sister, according to social media. She now has custody of her niece, according to the fundraiser.

“To ensure the family has adequate funds for funeral services and her niece is well taken care of, every penny donated will make a difference,” Quinn said in the post.

The fundraiser was closing in on its goal of $10,000 as of Wednesday morning. To make a donation, visit gofundme.com.

Melissa Kolonich was born in Willingboro and graduated from Cumberland Regional High School in 1997, according to her online obituary. She earned a degree as a dental hygienist from Harcum College in Pennsylvania.

She worked for Dr. Steven L. Rasner, DMD in Vineland as a dental hygienist since 2010 and she had been with his practice since the age of 16. She also worked part-time as a realtor for Century 21.

"She loved to travel with her daughter and two of their favorite places were Disney World and Iceland. She also enjoyed fine dining," according to her obituary. "Melissa also loved to go to the Philadelphia Eagles games with her father and brother. She was a passionate cyclist who participated in several Bridge to the Shore fundraisers and was proud that she had completed a Century ride. Her other hobbies included gardening and playing Pickle Ball. She will be remembered for her kindness and friendship to the vast amount of people that called her friend."

Her memorial service will take place 11 a.m. Friday morning at the Gloucester County Community Church, 359 Chapel Heights Road in Sewell. Friends will be received between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

John Kolonich founded Enhanced Chiropractic in Franklinville in 2004, according to the Courier Post. His business supported Franklin police, including when they participated in the police unity tour.

Anyone with additional information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact Det. Christopher Popper of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, at 856-3384-5593, or Det. Alex Fragoso of the Franklin Township Police Department, at 856-694-1415. Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK). You are not alone. Confidential help is available for free, 24 hours every day.