BRICK – The family of the pedestrian that was struck and killed by a car on Herbertsville Road is reaching out for help in the wake of his sudden passing.
John J. Celeste, 51, of Brick was fatally struck by a car while attempting to cross over Herbertsville Road near Havens Farm on the night of Jan. 13. Driving the car, a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, was 26-year old Jeannie Jacobs, also of Brick. Celeste was walking along the northbound shoulder with another pedestrian who made it across the roadway before the incident occurred, police said.
Now Celeste’s family is seeking help from the public to both find more information about his death as well as raise funds for his funeral services.
“Our beloved John recently passed on January 13, 2020. John was a wonderful father, pee pa and friend. He always touched the lives of those around him. He leaves behind his daughter Ashley Naverine Celeste and his grandson Jaelen Celeste,” wrote relative Tabitha Ann to the GoFundMe page. “We are all devastated by John’s loss and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. We want to give John the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes.”
The fundraising site is hoping to raise $8,000 for this purpose. As of Jan. 14, $250 has been raised.
Celeste’s daughter Ashley Naverine Celeste is pleading with the public to reach out to police with any new information on her father’s death. A post to the Brick Patch Facebook page reads “Anyone with any information please I beg you call the police and tell them.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so at gofundme.com/f/john-gained-his-wings.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information is asked to contact Patrolman David Thergesen at 732-262-1140.
