Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 4, 2012 Waldwick Borough flags were ordered to fly at half mast last week in memory of Staff Sergeant Joseph Community remembers native son Joseph D’Augustine D’Augustine, a Waldwick resident who died March 27 while deployed to Afghanistan. He had been expected to fly home in two weeks to attend his sister’s wedding. Mayor Thomas Giordano said last week that the borough would accord the fallen Marine a hero’s welcome, but said details could not be worked out until the body, which was flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last Wednesday, is released by the military. He said residents could call town hall for information or check the town’s website, www.waldwicknj.org, which will be updated periodically to include the latest information regarding the funeral arrangements. “The family is in grief. The town is in grief, and we have to help the family cope,” said Giordano. “The outpouring of support has been great. On Friday, Governor Christie offered his condolences to the family. “I was saddened to learn this morning that Marine Sergeant Joseph D’Augustine of Waldwick tragically lost his life on March 27th while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. On behalf of the State of New Jersey, Mary Pat and I would like to extend our condolences to Sergeant D’Augustine’s family and thank him and his family for his ultimate sacrifice. The Governor’s Office is in the process of issuing an Executive Order to lower flags to half-staff in honor of Sergeant D’Augustine’s sacrifice and service to his state and country,” the Governor said in a statement. Further details of the 29-year-old Marine’s accident were not available at press time. He was assigned to an explosive ordnance disposal unit. He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, following two tours in Iraq. He was a 2001 graduate of Waldwick High School, where he played football and wrestled. Classmate Tatiana Glavan Marquis said she and her husband had kept in touch with D’Augustine and got together with him every time he came home on leave. “He had a drive to keep going back; it was part of his character,” she said. “He was the funniest guy. He made everybody laugh. That’s what he was all about,” said another classmate, Lauren Resetar. “He had an infectious smile, and made friends with everyone and made them feel included,” said Joel Pinkler, who was ahead of D’Augustine at WHS. “The country has lost a good Marine, but heaven has gained a great angel,” Pinkler said. Mayor Giordano said that a group from Waldwick would go to Dover with D’Augustine’s family and accompany the hearse home, where a procession would take place through borough streets. There would be time for public visitation following private time for the family. Arrangements are being handled by Mack Memorial Home in Secaucus along with Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. Interment will be in Ho-Ho-Kus Cemetery next to Saint Luke’s Church in Ho-Ho-Kus.