A street dedication was held Dec. 17 for Michael Gioia, 16, who tragically lost his life in a vehicle collision Oct. 8. West Lake Court has been renamed Michael “Mikey” Gioia Way at the corner of West Lake Court and East Veterans Highway, where the accident occurred.
Mikey was a student at Jackson Liberty High School, now Jackson Township High School, where he played football and was surrounded by friends.
Over 100 of his friends and students from JTHS were in attendance.
“He loved helping others. He was kindhearted. He was the type that if you needed something, he was there. If you were going through something, he was there. If you called him at 4 in the morning, he was there,” said his mother, Mrs. Danielle Gioia. “He was that kid. He was just so innocent and honest; He had a good soul.”
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn worked closely with Mrs. Gioia on the dedication.
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“Today, we gathered not only to remember Mikey, but to honor the life and spirit of a remarkable young man who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him,” she said. “This street dedication stands as a symbol of remembrance, love and our shared commitment to caring for one another and protecting our community.”
“The street dedication was a solemn and heartfelt moment,” added Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri. “Speaking with Michael’s parents and witnessing the community’s support was incredibly moving, and a testament to the impact his life continues to have.”
The street dedication not only honors Mikey but also provides a place of recognition for Mrs. Gioia.
“It’s somewhere we can sit at the memorial, at the crash site, and look at his name and reflect. I don’t know, talk to him in a way and just see it with hope or guidance or remembrance,” she said.
Mrs. Gioia hopes that friends, family and those who knew Mikey can find light in the tragedy. “As my son Santino said in his eulogy, be grateful to wake up tired. Be grateful to go to work. Be grateful to do the things that Mikey can’t do because he’s not here,” she said. “I want his death not to be in vain.”
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Originally published by Jackson Township (www.jacksontwpnj.news) / Casey Wolfe
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