By Corey McDonald | The Jersey Journal
JERSEY CITY — A viewing and funeral service were held today for Parth Patel, the 9-year-old boy who died of cancer just days after Jersey City first reponders surprised him with a hero-themed parade.
The boy’s story captivated the hearts of locals when first responders dressed up as superheroes and surprised him with a parade last Wednesday. The event was organized by Jersey City Police Officer Adrien Murrell, who lost her brother to cancer, after she heard Parth was terminally ill. Around 100 police officers, firefighters and EMTs took part in the parade, which traveled from the boy’s home to School 27.
But Parth, who suffered from Ewing Sarcoma, died three days later, leaving his family and the first responder community heartbroken.
“A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend,” the boy’s sister Hileri Patel wrote on her Facebook page. “In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one who loved and never forget. We all love this little superhero but we lost him when we weren’t ready.”
A GoFundMe page is currently up to help the Patel family with medical expenses. You can find the page by following this link.
As family and friends gathered for the viewing and funeral today, local first responders once again turned out in full force to pay their respects. Officers from the Jersey City and Newark police departments, as well as the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and EMTs lined up outside Riotto Funeral Home on Kennedy Boulevard, some on motorcycles, others on horseback.
Jersey City police officers even carried the boy’s casket out of the funeral home and placed it into a hearse following the service.
On the day of the parade, Parth got a special ride in a Batmobile-themed Chevrolet Camaro, which made another appearance outside the funeral home today. A note signed by Batman and Batgirl was placed inside the vehicle, accompanied by photos of the smiling boy.
“To our hero, Parth, rest in peace,” the note read.
