Friends and neighbors remember fallen soldier Michael DeMarsico

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) - A young man who was a genuinely nice person, who dreamed of serving our country. That is how many friends and neighbors describe Army Private First Class Michael DeMarsico. He was killed in Afghanistan on August 16th.

On Wednesday August 29th, from Franklin County to Berkshire County, hundreds of people waited along Mohawk Trail to honor the 20-year-old soldier.

Melanie Gageant of North Adams told 22News, “He was a good kid. He was a really good kid. He would do anything for anybody.”

Alan Richards, a fellow soldier who also lives in North Adams, said, “He made the ultimate sacrifice. My heart aches for the family, especially as a fellow soldier.”

DeMarsico joined the army in February 2011, and this was his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His friend Jessica Storie told 22News, joining the army was “Pretty much his childhood dream, and he lived his dream.”

Friends and neighbors told 22News Wednesday's turnout for a quiet welcome home shows just how much Michael meant to his hometown.

Kim Morandi who grew up in the neighboring town of Clarksburg told 22News, “You know them. You know of the family. You know the different members, and it's not just a family experience but it's a whole community.”

North Adams Police Lt. David Sacco said, he grew up on West Main Street with Michael’s father, Michael DeMarsico, Sr.

“This is what they wanted,” he said. “They wanted Michael welcomed home and I think this is awesome.”

Michael Cahoon, DeMarsico’s cousin, said, “This whole town... Me and him have done something somewhere. He would've really enjoyed this. I'm glad he's home.”

Calling hours will be on Friday, August 31st at the Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, located at 521 West Main Street in North Adams from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 1st at the First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

The church is located at 131 Main Street in North Adams.