James Mattioli (Reuters)
Mourners bid a sad farewell to little James Mattioli today, remembering the tiny Newtown massacre victim’s large brown eyes and sweet affection for his big sister.
Family and friends packed St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for a tearful funeral Mass, punctuated by mom Cindy Mattioli, who fondly recalled everything that made her little man so special.
“You were a good, good baby and your big brown eyes followed everything [big sister] Anna did,” his grieving mom said.
PHOTOS: SANDY HOOK SCHOOL MASSACRE
“Right from the start, I also thought you learned everything you knew from Anna because she was good teacher and you followed her everywhere.”
James, 6, was among 20 young students senseless murdered Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School by crazed gunman Adam Lanza, 20.
The little victim, in a white casket, was remembered for his love of school and ability to grasp math, well beyond his years.
“You and Anna loved to play school,” his mom said. “You were the best student a big sister could ever have.”
The heartbroken mother also recalled how much James loved hamburgers and eggs with cheese and bacon, French toast and Subway footlong sandwiches.
“You were an early riser,” she said. “You couldn’t wait to get out of bed.”
Little James boy was never shy about expressing how much he loved his mother.
“Thank you for always asking to cuddle up on the couch with you and have a chat and talk about what we did today and what tomorrow will hold,” said mom Cindy.
“Thank for lighting up the world with your smile. James, we want you to know we love you, we love all of you.”
James’ funeral coincided with the first day Newtown students went back to school following Friday’s deadly attack.
On Monday, Newtown held the first two funerals of many the picturesque New England community of 27,000 people will face over the next few days, just as other towns are getting ready for the holidays. At least one more funeral is planned for a student today – 6-year-old Jessica Rekos – as well as several wakes, including one for teacher Victoria Soto to be held tonight, who has been hailed as a hero for sacrificing herself to save several students.
Two funeral homes filled Monday with mourners for Noah Pozner and Jack Pinto, both 6 years old. A rabbi presided at Noah’s service, and in keeping with Jewish tradition, the boy was laid to rest in a simple brown wooden casket with a Star of David on it.
“I will miss your perpetual smile, the twinkle in your dark blue eyes, framed by eyelashes that would be the envy of any lady in this room,” Noah’s mother, Veronique Pozner, said at the service, according to remarks the family provided to The Associated Press. Both services were closed to the news media.
“Most of all, I will miss your visions of your future,” she said. “You wanted to be a doctor, a soldier, a taco factory manager. It was your favorite food, and no doubt you wanted to ensure that the world kept producing tacos.”
She closed by saying: “Momma loves you, little man.”
Noah’s twin, Arielle, who was assigned to a different classroom, survived the killing frenzy.
At Jack Pinto’s Christian service, hymns rang out from inside the funeral home, where the boy lay in an open casket. Jack was among the youngest members of a youth wrestling association in Newtown, and dozens of little boys turned up at the service in gray Newtown Wrestling T-shirts.
Jack was a fan of New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz and was laid to rest in a Cruz jersey.
Additional reporting by David K. Li in New York. With AP.