“That fateful day, evil came and snatched away the life of a fine young man . . . it was unsuccessful, though, in extinguishing his soul . . . Jonathan will continue to live on . . .”
So were the somber words of Rabbi Richter on Sunday, April 18 as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Jonathan Joseph (a.k.a. “J.J.”) Beneduce, 28, who, along with friend Michael Mirasola, 27, was gunned down in Teaneck, N.J. nearly two months ago.
Nicholas Kiriakakis, 25, part owner of Bayside bar Pearl Nightlife, was charged with the shootings and posted $2 million bail.
Richter began with a Hebrew prayer, and then, following tradition, an emotional Nick Beneduce, J.J.’s father, lit a candle “for the flame of God is the soul of man.”
“This is more a celebration of my son’s life,” he said.
J.J.’s uncle John then spoke, sharing memories of his nephew.
“I pray everyone here has peace of mind knowing Jonathan’s with God,” he said.
“We can only hope he’ll continue to live through us, every good deed, every good action,” the rabbi said in closing. “May his family know no more evil and sadness, only happiness and good from now on.”
