OCEAN COUNTY– A local fallen hero will be laid to rest next week.
New Egypt native Warrant Officer James J. Casadona Jr. was killed during a AH-64 Apache helicopter training flight at Fort Campbell, Kentucky April 6. He was 28.
Viewing times are scheduled 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. April 27 at Fountain of Life Church, 2035 Columbus Road, Burlington, and again 10-11 a.m. April 28. The funeral service will commence at 11 a.m.
Casadona is survived by his mother and her husband, Cheri Kelcourse and Roy Baker of West Allenhurst; his father and wife father James Casadona and wife Kim of Delray Beach, Florida; sisters, nieces and other family members.
Casadona enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2012 and served for four years before applying to be an Army Aviator. Upon being discharged from the Marines, he attended Warrant Officer Candidate School and Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
He was stationed at Fort Campbell and served as a pilot in the 1-101st Aviation Regiment.
A gofundme page has been set up to aid in funeral costs.
