Slain Parsippany Couple Mourned by Family and Friends
Chester and Rosaria Andraka are remembered by their children as people who were "strong, physically and mentally."
Photos
A packed sanctuary was on hand for the traditional Roman Catholic funeral mass for Chester and Rosaria Andraka at St. Christopher Church on Littleton Road Monday morning. The ceremony did not allude to the violence of what the Morris County Prosecutor's office ruled as the murder of Rosaria Andrala and the suicide of Chester Andraka. Instead, the focus was on comforting openly weeping family members and impressing upon the congregants the importance of faith.
The family entered the worship space and walked up the church aisle behind two mahogany-colored caskets draped ceremonially in white linen, per Catholic tradition.
Liturgical readings including the 23rd Psalm ("The Lord is my shepherd...") emphasized comfort and tenacity. In his gospel reading and homily, the Rev. Joseph Buffardo, St. Christopher's pastor, exhorted the assembled, telling them that "life is changed, not over" and "death is the door to Jesus' place," where peace, joy, care, compassion, life, love and glory are found.
"This is a time for faith," the priest stated, referring to John 14, and quoting Jesus. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you."
"We feel troubled because of the loss and the emptiness we feel," Buffardo said in the homily, "troubled over what Chester and Rosaria are experiencing right now, and the questions we have."
The Andrakas' children, both students at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where their parents worked, appeared bereft but strong as each took part in the funeral rite.
Daughter Anna Andraka read a verse of scripture that spoke of healing and moving forward "moment to moment and day to day."
"Let us comfort each other," she said, choking up with tears briefly. "And by God, give us strength."
Son Chris Andraka offered a eulogy in which he recalled the strength of his parents.
"My dad was very loud," the college freshman said. "He projected his voice. He was very strong. He worked very hard... and he taught me a lot. And if someone needed help, he was there."
Andraka described his father as the sort of man who loved to see people happy and would work very hard to bring them joy and keep them safe.
"He was kind of like a big kid, a 40-year-old kid. He even played Xbox, which is not all that common for someone of his age," Chris Andraka said with a small chuckle. "He was just an amazing person. He taught me everything I know."
The young man lost his composure for a moment and his sister Anna joined him at the lectern to provide moral support as he continued, recalling his mother through his tears.
"She was strong, also, physically and mentally," he said. "She taught me how to care, how to be strong and she never wanted me to cry. She sacrificed her whole life for us."
Chris Andraka painted a picture of his mother, who the family called "Enza," as a fierce protector of her children.
"I'd always get mad at her for getting mad at people for me," he said with a quick rueful smile. "If someone did something mean to me, like told me to shut up, my mom would just take it to the next level and really lash out at them."
He concluded by thanking both of his parents, for him and his sister.
"If they hadn't taught us for life, I wouldn' be able to stand up here today," he said.
After the mass, a motorcade of officers including members of Parsippany Police and Essex County Sheriff's Office led two hearses and a convoy of vehicles to Gate of Heaven Mausoleum Chapel in East Hanover, where the couple were laid to rest.
Officials say Parsippany Police officers were present for traffic control purposes and that Rosaria Andraka's brother works for the Essex County Sheriff's Office; its representatives were on hand to aid and comfort their colleague's family.
T-Bird 148
1:49 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I find it odd, and perhaps a little disrespectful, the police provided an escort for a guy who is alleged to have killed his wife and himself. Despite what good he may have done when he was a police officer he had taken oath to protect life, not take it. Nonetheless, I offer my condolences to this couple's children and their families.
1fairguy
6:57 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Obviously you WERE NOT there were you? There WAS NOT one car from Caldwell! You "offer" condolences, yet bad mouth the family who clearly knew who was in the procession. As for the PTHPD, they WERE NOT part of the procession! Get your facts straight before you post!!
Mrs. K
2:01 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
The police escort was probably for the safety of the numerous cars expected for the high profile funeral. People don't like to wait for a long funeral procession and will often "cut the line".
Natalie, is anyone setting up a fund for the Andraka children's education?
Natalie Davis
3:59 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I do not know. The question has been asked, but like most in this situation, it has not been answered or acknowledged.
John
2:14 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
The woman killed was the sister of an officer. That's why....
frank
2:16 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
This by no means was for him!! This was for his wife!! Go hide behind your keyboards!!
1fairguy
7:03 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Agreed Frank, there wasn't 1 vehicle there from Caldwell.
John M
2:37 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
May she rest in peace. May he never find peace. I've argued with my wife many times over the years. I could never ever think of shooting her and leaving her family all the grief that Rosaria's family is feeling now. It was a coward's act and very selfish. I can't believe he loved her so much and still would do something so heartless. Didn't he care about his children? Some people amaze me.
helen grace
8:18 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I am with you John M-- it was a senseless slaughter-- if he did not want to live- fine. why leave his children with no mother- these people jumped all over me for making a comment about the police cars - I did not know she was an officers sister- the article made it sound like it was for him-- i have stood at the grave of too many women murdered by partners- it is always tragic
Cj
2:44 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
There is a fund set up at gofundme.com. Its under Anna Andraka
Mrs. K
5:08 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Thank you CJ, she and I was a few years ahead of me in high school. We Belleville girls need to take care of our own.
Kevin B
3:09 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Rosaria's brother works in the essex sheriffs deppartment. That is why they were there. The funeral was in parsippany. Thats why Parsippany Police were there. Did u see any Caldwell Police or Caldwell Police cars there? No you didnt. Get your facts right before you bloviate.
frank
3:31 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Well said kevin! Gotta love the people sitting behind their screen name and keyboard that are fools and clueless! God bless her and her children
Nancy
4:29 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I wouldn't want to be buried with the person who murdered me.
helen grace
8:12 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
that is what struck me odd too- but I suppose that is the choice of the family- I absolutely meant no disrespect- thousands and thousands are women are killed in acts of domestic violence- and that is what this is-- I dont care if it is once in an explosive event- or gradual over years. I pray for the kids and her family- may she rest in peace
kellie
6:47 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
there is a fund for the kids at gofundme.com look up Anna Andraka and you will find "andraka family" with their pics to donate for their education and bills etc.
1fairguy
7:07 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Kellie, I'd like to think that FDU would do the right thing and waive their remaining tuition,
helen grace
8:19 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
does anyone have a link-- I would like to share this with some domestic violence groups for the donations page
kellie
6:50 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
please be compassionate with your comments. Their children will read these blogs. He wasn't a murderer. They spent 22 years of marraige together in love. A mere moment of insanity does not erase the memories and lives they created and built together. This woman meant the world to me. She was my best friend. I knew how much he loved her. I don't know what happened but its between them and God now. Not us.
Dory Degen
1:32 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
are you kidding me? h ekilled her. it happens way too often. she wasn't his property to take down with him. it is insulting and insensitive to rationalize this as saying, welll they were married and he loved her so in a way its understandable. it is not okay that he murdered his wife! somehow the fact that he took his own life makes this more sympathetic? had he lived wouldn't you be the least bit angry at him? domestic violence is what this was. it is heartbreaking. god bless these poor families. and the rest of us who knew them and have to grapple with this horrific crime and tragedy.
Ariana
7:29 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2013
How could you not call him a murderer? Official report says "Murder/Suicide" Autopsy conclusive - "Wife shot several times in the face and chest" As a former detective, whenever a victim is shot in the face several times "it's a hate crime" The reports are official on the Internet by Parsippany police. "There was trouble in their marriage" the report officially stated. He had it planned. Not a moment of insanity. Planned!! She asked him for a divorce early in December. HE wanted to portray them as the perfect couple, so much in love. That is the classic sign of a controlling abusive man. His FB page had 50 + photos of him hugging his wife and kissing her. Those photos had been removed from his FB page after the funeral. A few photos of the kids and 1 or 2 of him. Is that normal 50+ photos of just hugging & kissing your wife? I say not! Families facing these type of crimes would not bury the husband & wife together. You call that normal? Or being in denial? I'm tired of everyone praising how much he loved her, 22 yrs of marriage and is not a murderer? Abuse is OK. Selfish is Ok? A moment of insanity is Ok too!I Loving her so much is Ok to kill her!! Pray they find peace through the grace of God!! God help the kids and their families who have to live with it. Hope they do not live in denial because that is the ultimate betrayal to the victim.
helen grace
8:10 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I absolutely support he wife and the kids-- I have watched too many women die at the hands of partners-- I apologize if I jumped to conclusions- this wife deserves all the respect in the world-- my heart breaks for the kids- her life was cut short way too early-
Dory Degen
1:28 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
i completely agree. i am so angry at him for killing her. rest in peace rose. and god help the families.
MC
9:08 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Until todays comments he was made out to be a hero. The way the former chief of caldwell PD spoke i'm shocked they did not participate.
yomoe
9:37 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Natalie,
The pictures of the patrol cars you have captioned with officers were their to mourn a fallen colleague. Those are Essex County Sheriff Office patrol vehicles. Rosaria has a brother who is a officer with that department. Not sure why you wanted to make it seem like they may have been there in support of him. Also, next time you cover a funeral for your Patch, maybe stay outside on the street instead of inside taking pictures. I've never in my life seen such disrespect and you should be ashamed of yourself.
ParResident
8:15 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
God bless the family
kim dennison
6:31 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
There is a site to provide secure donations to the children, Anna and Chris Andraka. Just an FYI: http://www.gofundme.com/1z0weo
If this is not permitted, I apologize.
A Mom
6:31 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Kellie said it all in her comment. So true. If a person has nothing kind to say then say nothing at all. D
lola
1:35 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
I think there's a trend toward not letting family and friends get up there and go on about how great the deceased was...around 9/11 this happened, because people didn't know how to be part of a Catholic funeral Mass.
God protect these kids. What happened with their father?!
Reality Chuck
1:50 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
From a news perspective, I have not yet seen an article that identifies this guy as a murderer. "Slain couple" gives the impression that they were victims. She was the only victim who lost her life. Mourn a fallen collegue? So murdering his spouse was the blotch on the officer's record? Absurd. The world has a hard time telling the difference between right and wrong.
John Meyer
12:13 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Personally, I'm tired of talking about this SELFISH guy.
Who would want to have this murderer buried anywhere near. Sure, they obviously were having an issue that made him feel that if I can't have her, no one will. He was a victim of his obvious, lifelong insecurity that started by probably wanting to become a cop and be empowered.Killing a helpless unarmed woman is pathetic and hopefully he will burn.
To kill the mother of your kids and leave them to fend for themselves, My prayers go out to the surviving kids, thank god they weren't home or part of his cowardly killing.