Santa Garcia, foreground center, and Jose Ramon Rasario, head down foreground left center, the grandmother and father of Marly and Niely Rosario, leave the Church of St. Raymond. (AP)
The casket of one of seven family members who died in a horrific crash on the Bronx River Parkway Sunday. (AP)
Hundreds of mourners wept today at a funeral for seven members of a Bronx family tragically killed when their minivan flew off a highway overpass.
Juan Gonzalez and Ramon Rosario — who lost wives, daughters and other relatives in the crash — were consoled by dozens of relatives during the sign of peace portion of the mass at the Church of Saint Raymond in Parkchester.
“I can’t believe this happened. There are no words. They were very good people,” said Maria Alvarez, 51, a cousin of Juan Gonzalez.
Gonzalez’s wife Maria “Fina” Gonzalez, 45, and daughter Jazlyn, 10, were both killed in the Sunday crash. Rosario lost his wife, “Maria “Nelly” Nuñez, 35, and daughters Niely, 7, and Marly, 3.
Also killed were the dead women’s parents, Ana Julia Martinez, 81, and Jacob Nuñez, 85.
“It was just so sad to see all of the coffins come in and out,” said 9-year-old Alexandria Abreu.
During the eulogy, a priest told the family the deaths were “a living nightmare,” recounted State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Queens).
Many mourners were turned away from the 113-year-old church.
Coworkers of Maria Nunez and Maria Gonzales at Fordham University showed up outside the church to show their support.
“I knew both ladies, Maria and Maria,” said Fernando Bonilla, 51, a Fordham custodian.
“They were such nice ladies. Very pleasant to work with. This is just so tragic. We were like a big family. Whenever we lose one of our own, it hurts,” Bonilla said.
“There are no words to describe this…I’ve been praying for their souls ever since.”