'Kind & Gentle Soul': Funeral Set For Westfield HS Grad Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash

WESTFIELD, NJ — Ryan Zadrozny, a 2020 Westfield High School graduate who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in North Carolina, is being described as a "kind and gentle soul whose warmth and unique sense of humor was appreciated by all."

"He was loved dearly and will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him," according to his obituary with Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home.

Visitation for Zadrozny was held on Sunday and a Funeral mass is being held on Monday at 10:15 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Lake Hopatcong, with interment to follow at Sparta Presbyterian Methodist Cemetery.

Zadrozny, 23, of Westfield, was born in Brooklyn and lived most of his life in Westfield. After graduating Westfield High School he earned a degree in finance and information systems from the University of Maryland where he graduated in June of this year. He then went on to work for Jefferies in Jersey City as an operational analyst.

"Family meant everything to Ryan. He especially loved spending time with his many cousins. Ryan also surrounded himself with wonderful friends who meant the world to him. Ryan was an amazing big brother to his two sisters Mary and Anna whom he cherished," according to his obituary.

Zadrozny "was taken too soon" and died on Dec. 1 after being hit by a Mercedes Benz, while crossing the street in North Carolina. The driver Mache Ulysses Darby, 40, fled the scene before crashing after a short police chase, said police. Read More: Westfield High School Grad Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash In North Carolina

Darby was found to be impaired at the time of the crash. Excessive speed and impaired driving are contributing factors for this vehicle collision, said police. Darby was charged with felony death by vehicle, felony hit & run, felony flee to elude, and reckless driving.

According to wbtv.com, Darby was also charged in another fatal hit-and-run crash in 2011. In that crash, a pedestrian was killed, and he also fled that scene. Darby was charged with felony hit-and-run, driving while having a revoked license, and possession of marijuana. He was later found guilty of the hit-and-run and given a suspended sentence.

Zadrozny is survived by his parents, Eileen and Stanley Zadrozny; sisters, Mary and Anna; maternal grandparents, William and Mary Wallace; paternal grandmother, Gertrude Zadrozny and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following charities: Imagine, a Center for Coping With Loss www.imaginenj.org; Mothers Against Drunk Driving www.madd.org; St. Josephs Social Services www.sjeliz.org.

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