In honor of Independence Day, Press of Atlantic City is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
Presented by
Ocean Casino Resort
Jason Hooven, of Pleasantville, and Crystal Connor, of Hammonton, who have been clean for 55 days, listen to speakers at Stop the Heroin’s memorial walk in Atlantic City. Co-founder Bill Schmincke talks more about it in a video at
Stop the Heroin Memorial Walk in Atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza. More than a couple of hundreds people to travel to Atlantic City from several states for a memorial walk honoring those who have lost their lives from heroin and opiate overdoses. Tammy Schmincke of Egg Harbor Township, co-owner of "Stop The Heroin" spoke at the event. October 8, 2016 (Craig Matthews / Staff Photographer)
Craig Matthews/Staff Photographer
Stop the Heroin organization hosted a winterland holiday party Sun., Dec. 17, at American Legion Post 295 in Northfield for 11 families with children in the area who have been impacted by the heroin epidemic, many losing loved ones to overdoses. (l-r) Tammy Schmincke holds Steven, Jr., 1, Cassidy, 7, Abigail, 6, and Bill Schmincke, all of Mays Landing. The girls are holding a picture of their father, Steven, who passed away from an overdose.
Chad L. Harper, 38, of Galloway Township and Orlando, Florida. Pictured with his daughter, Gabrielle.
02/03/79 – 10/20/17
"Chad was a charismatic person, he lived and loved life. Chad grew up in New Jersey and was working at the House of Blues in Disney Springs Florida at the time of his death. Chad loved his family, especially his daughter Gabrielle.
"We will forever miss him, our hearts are broken." -Laurie Johns-Devito, his mother
"My child may have died; but my love - and my motherhood - never will." -C.S. Lewis
"Matt was more than drugs. He gave so much and asked for so little. Get then help before it's too late. I love my son forever and enough is enough." -Linda Rivera, his mother
Born Dec. 26, 1981. Hartley passed away of a heroin overdose on March 15, 2015.
“Hopefully everyone with an addiction sees the pictures of our loved ones that are gone, will seek out the help that they need to overcome their addiction. I miss my son everyday, he will forever be in my heart.” -Patti Nugent, his mother.
"Addiction cannot define Steven's life. He was a good hearted son, brother, father and fiancé. There was so much more to you. We miss and love you Steven." -Bill and Tammy Schmincke, his parents
Died from a heroin overdose on Sept. 28, 2015. He left behind his two daughters, 4 and 19, his long-time girlfriend and his family. He is missed every single day.
“While he wasn’t able to save himself from addiction he did save 5 lives from organ donation and that helped us through his loss because he was the type to give you the shirt off his back and feed whoever needed to eat. He had the biggest heart.”
“She was full of life, ambitious, and had the biggest heart. My sister was more than her addiction and I always want her to be remembered for the beautiful soul she was. Rest peacefully my guardian angel.” -Amanda Endicott, her sister
“He battled with his addiction to heroin for 10 years. Before that, my father was clean and sober from all mind altering substances for 25 years. He was in a car accident and prescribed pills, which lead to shooting heroin. He left behind his wife of 35 years, his daughter and two grandchildren. Fly high daddy fly high! I hope I make you proud!” -Brandy Henkes, his daughter
“Justin was my boyfriend for seven years. We lived together in Philadelphia after I finished college so I could find a job. He went to rehab on Valentine’s Day 2012. After rehab, he seemed like he was finally ready to get clean and almost had a new outlook on life, even after only being approved for a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, Justin relapsed one day while I was at work and I found him dead in our apartment when I got home. Justin was a Union 351 Electrician. The most important thing in his life was working hard, taking care of and being with his family, friends and me. I miss him and think about him everyday.” -Julia Mastalski, his girlfriend
“There is not one day that goes by that my heart does not ache to just hug him one more time! I love and miss you so much!” -Theresa Allmond-Mason, his mother
“There’s always gonna be another mountain I’m always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose Ain’t about how fast I get there Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side It’s the climb” Love, Mom and Dad, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews
"Our son Jesse passed away from a heroin overdose on May 29, 2016. He left behind a daughter only 8 months old and a family who loved him deeply. He was kind, witty and full of dreams! If he had a choice he wouldn't have chosen this disease. He had too much to live for!" -Linda Flynn, his mother
“The world will never know what these young men could have accomplished. It is not just our loss but the country’s as well.” -Marilyn Aishton, his mother
Brandon D. Cooper, 29, Villas section of Lower Township
"A quote comes to mind: 'Goodbyes hurt the most, when the story was not finished...' It’s up to us, your family and friends, to share your story and keep your memory alive. By raising awareness of this growing epidemic, hopefully we will reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and will help someone regain control of their life. We will continue to share your story, your memory will live on and your death will not be for nothing, we promise you."
"Forever 24, loved and missed beyond measure. Our lives are forever changed without you here with us.
He fought hard started with alcohol in middle school and escalated to heroin. 13 plus rehabs, 2 sober living, 11 overdoses. Maximum time clean and sober was approx. 3 years, 8 months. Related and gone in less than a year.
Wilsoncroft died from a lethal dose of fentanyl on Dec. 11, 2016 in Lancaster Ohio.
"The worst day of my life finding him that morning. Addiction affects the whole family, our lives have changed forever. Forever 26, missed and loved forever."
Chad L. Harper, 38, of Galloway Township and Orlando, Florida. Pictured with his daughter, Gabrielle.
02/03/79 – 10/20/17
"Chad was a charismatic person, he lived and loved life. Chad grew up in New Jersey and was working at the House of Blues in Disney Springs Florida at the time of his death. Chad loved his family, especially his daughter Gabrielle.
"We will forever miss him, our hearts are broken." -Laurie Johns-Devito, his mother
"My child may have died; but my love - and my motherhood - never will." -C.S. Lewis
David E. Hinkley
Provided
David E. Hinkley Jr., 52, of Somers Point, formerly of Delaware
Feb. 12, 1965 - Oct. 19, 2017
Hinkley was born in Atlantic City and also lived in Brigantine and Absecon. He lived in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for 10 years.
Frankie Vitagliano Jr.
Provided
Frankie Vitagliano Jr., 38, of Brigantine
Born on January 10, 1989 and died from a heroin overdose on December 11, 2017.
"He left behind a son, a fiancée and a family who will miss him forever. Forever in our hearts!" -Michelle, his mother
Gregory DiAntonio
Provided
Gregory DiAntonio, 32, of Wildwood
9/22/1980 to 12/30/2012
"Miss you every day ❤️" -Kreni DiAntonio, his mother
Matt Guzman
Provided
Matt Guzman, 23, of Buena
April 21, 1993 - August 27, 2016
"Matt was more than drugs. He gave so much and asked for so little. Get then help before it's too late. I love my son forever and enough is enough." -Linda Rivera, his mother
Jeffrey Fitzgerald Giannini
Provided
Jeffrey Giannini, 30, of Ventnor, died of a heroin overdose June 1.
Joshua Zeuner
Provided
Joshua Zeuner, 30, of Galloway Township
February 12, 1988 - July 7, 2018
"One Life Who Made an Impact on Every Life He Touched. Loved and Never Forgotten." -Candace Mazza, his fiance
Kevin J. McCarthy
Provided
Kevin J. McCarthy, 27, of Vineland
July 3, 1990 - Sept. 28, 2017
"Loving father, son, brother, uncle, fiancé, and friend. His wings were ready, but our hearts were not. Forever in our hearts."
Tommy McLaughlin
Provided
Tommy McLaughlin, 39, of Egg Harbor Township
Died June 2, 2018, from a drug overdose after a long battle with addiction.
"Tommy will not be defined by his addiction, but by his caring and quiet demeanor."
Sean Hartley
PROVIDED
Sean Hartley, 33, of Somers Point
Born Dec. 26, 1981. Hartley passed away of a heroin overdose on March 15, 2015.
“Hopefully everyone with an addiction sees the pictures of our loved ones that are gone, will seek out the help that they need to overcome their addiction. I miss my son everyday, he will forever be in my heart.” -Patti Nugent, his mother.
Christine Williams
PROVIDED
Christine Williams, 37, of Absecon
1/19/1979 - 4/16/2016
"A beautiful soul."
“RIP I miss you my Aquarius angel ❤ lucky 33/37.” -Jennifer McGaffney, friend
Steven James Schmincke
PROVIDED
Steven James Schmincke, 26, of Mays Landing
7-4-89 / 3-26-16
"Addiction cannot define Steven's life. He was a good hearted son, brother, father and fiancé. There was so much more to you. We miss and love you Steven." -Bill and Tammy Schmincke, his parents
Katelyn Marie Elwell
PROVIDED
Katelyn Marie Elwell, 18, of Mays Landing
“She was a loving friend to everyone she met and had an infectious laugh.” -Susan Elwell, her mother
Ashley Gitto
PROVIDED
Ashley Gitto, 25, of the Lower Bank section of Washington Township.
“We will love you and miss you FOREVER 💔” -Matt, Kathy & Courtney Gitto
Andy Dietrich
PROVIDED
Andy Dietrich, 37, of Margate
“Loved life and playing volleyball on the beach with his brothers.”
Michael Firrincilli
PROVIDED
Michael Firrincilli, 37, of Galloway Township
Died from a heroin overdose on Sept. 28, 2015. He left behind his two daughters, 4 and 19, his long-time girlfriend and his family. He is missed every single day.
“While he wasn’t able to save himself from addiction he did save 5 lives from organ donation and that helped us through his loss because he was the type to give you the shirt off his back and feed whoever needed to eat. He had the biggest heart.”
Raven Kunze
PROVIDED
Raven Kunze, 30, of Toms River
Kunze passed away from an accidental overdose on May 2, 2015.
Melissa A. Endicott
PROVIDED
Melissa A. Endicott, 31, of Absecon
01/14/1986 — 07/02/2017
“She was full of life, ambitious, and had the biggest heart. My sister was more than her addiction and I always want her to be remembered for the beautiful soul she was. Rest peacefully my guardian angel.” -Amanda Endicott, her sister
Samantha Jo Bender
PROVIDED
Samantha Jo Bender, 23, of Gibbstown
Died April 27, 2006
She had a 4-year-old daughter.
Jenny Renee Turner
PROVIDED
Jenny Renee Turner, 32, of Woodbury
8/7/74 - 7/31/07
Turner she passed on July 21, 2007 in Camden after being sober for almost 3 years and left behind a son.
"Not a day goes by we do not miss her and the wonderful caring person she was. I love you Jenny." -Desiree Turner, her sister
Paul (Randy) Lacey
PROVIDED
Paul (Randy) Lacey, 53, of Egg Harbor Township
8/9/63-11/21/2016
“He battled with his addiction to heroin for 10 years. Before that, my father was clean and sober from all mind altering substances for 25 years. He was in a car accident and prescribed pills, which lead to shooting heroin. He left behind his wife of 35 years, his daughter and two grandchildren. Fly high daddy fly high! I hope I make you proud!” -Brandy Henkes, his daughter
James A. Clark III
PROVIDED
James A. “Grizzly” Clark III, 26, of Northfield
Clark overdosed on heroin at the West Palm Beach Airport in Florida and passed away on Dec. 24, 2014.
“He was coming home to Northfield for Christmas to see his son, JJ.” -Donna Clark, his mother
James Matthew Robinson
PROVIDED
James Matthew Robinson, 27, of Sea Isle City
Died July 7, 2013
“We miss you every single day.”
Justin Toscano
PROVIDED
Justin Toscano, 24, of Egg Harbor Township
4-5-86 to 4-21-12
“Justin was my boyfriend for seven years. We lived together in Philadelphia after I finished college so I could find a job. He went to rehab on Valentine’s Day 2012. After rehab, he seemed like he was finally ready to get clean and almost had a new outlook on life, even after only being approved for a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, Justin relapsed one day while I was at work and I found him dead in our apartment when I got home. Justin was a Union 351 Electrician. The most important thing in his life was working hard, taking care of and being with his family, friends and me. I miss him and think about him everyday.” -Julia Mastalski, his girlfriend
Matthew Mason
PROVIDED
Matthew Mason, 24, of Egg Harbor Township
Mason died three years ago from an overdose.
“There is not one day that goes by that my heart does not ache to just hug him one more time! I love and miss you so much!” -Theresa Allmond-Mason, his mother
Josanna Feldman-Smith
PROVIDED
Josanna Feldman-Smith, 34, of Galloway Township
“With a hole in our hearts that will never heal. Love always, Dad.” -George Smith, her father
Timothy F. Milam
PROVIDED
Timothy F. Milam, 31, of Vineland
January 14, 1984 – October 24, 2015
“There’s always gonna be another mountain I’m always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose Ain’t about how fast I get there Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side It’s the climb” Love, Mom and Dad, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews
Christian McCarthy
PROVIDED
Christian McCarthy, 45, of Millville
Graduated from The College of New Jersey with honors and Widner Law School.
Died Aug. 18, 2015 of a heroin overdose. Missed very much by his family.
Fred Taylor
PROVIDED
Fred Taylor, 46, of Haddon Heights
Unfortunately passed away on Aug, 21 due to heroin. He did save one life by donating his organs.
Daniel T. Michael
PROVIDED
Daniel T. Michael, 30, of the Pomona section of Galloway Township
5-19-86 to 6-21-16
Hailey Gabrielle Jones
PROVIDED
Hailey Gabrielle Jones, 19, of the Smithville section of Galloway Township
Passed away Aug. 13, 2014.
"Hailey was a beautiful, vibrant girl whose smile and infectious laugh could light up any room. I miss her more every long day...”
Beau Michael Reilly
PROVIDED
Beau Michael Reilly, 21, of Egg Harbor Township
"Always in our hearts."
Ryan B. Beard
PROVIDED
Ryan B. Beard, 29, of Point Pleasant
Beloved son and grandson
Rutgers University Graduate
Outstanding baseball player and beloved coach
Jesse Flynn
PROVIDED
Jesse Flynn, 22, of Sayreville
"Our son Jesse passed away from a heroin overdose on May 29, 2016. He left behind a daughter only 8 months old and a family who loved him deeply. He was kind, witty and full of dreams! If he had a choice he wouldn't have chosen this disease. He had too much to live for!" -Linda Flynn, his mother
Thomas John Latham
PROVIDED
Thomas John Latham, 24, of Hamilton Township
“You are always and forever in our hearts. Your light will always shine! Shine on Tom! We love you!!” -his parents
Mark Aishton
PROVIDED
Mark Aishton, 33, of Galloway Township
“The world will never know what these young men could have accomplished. It is not just our loss but the country’s as well.” -Marilyn Aishton, his mother
Dan Miller
PROVIDED
Dan Miller, 27, of Mays Landing
“Dan passed 6 years ago due to a drug overdose. Our family looks forward to the day God reunites us all.” -Dave Miller, his father.
George John Lees
PROVIDED
George John Lees, 33, of Galloway
Dec. 8, 1982 to April 12, 2016
"One month from his masters. He was dedicated to higher education and he loved his son with all his heart."
Harry F. Snyder
PROVIDED
Harry F. Snyder, 25, of Marmora
“He was dearly loved and will be forever missed and grieved.” -Maureen and John Snyder, his parents
Michael Hesselbach Jr.
PROVIDED
Michael Hesselbach Jr., 20, Saint Charles, Missouri
2/24/96-9/9/16
Died from a heroin, fentanyl overdose
Brandon D. Cooper
PROVIDED
Brandon D. Cooper, 29, Villas section of Lower Township
"A quote comes to mind: 'Goodbyes hurt the most, when the story was not finished...' It’s up to us, your family and friends, to share your story and keep your memory alive. By raising awareness of this growing epidemic, hopefully we will reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and will help someone regain control of their life. We will continue to share your story, your memory will live on and your death will not be for nothing, we promise you."
Tyler Jay Onesty
PROVIDED
Tyler Jay Onesty, 22, of Ocean City
9/27/94-3/07/17
"Loved and respected by many! His story is already saving others as he tried to do till the end of his battle with addiction."
Dylan Amodio
PROVIDED
Dylan Amodio, 24, of West Collingswood Heights
1/17/93-6/1/17
Overdosed on heroin.
"Son, brother, nephew, uncle, step-son, grandson and friend. Thank you. I don't want him to ever be forgotten." -Jane Pinos, his mother
Briana DeSalis
PROVIDED
Briana DeSalis, 22, of Philadelphia
She was originally from Mays Landing.
"Lost my angel 02/17. Love and miss her." -Timothy DeSalis
Alexander K. Platt
PROVIDED
Alexander K. Platt, 24, of Cream Ridge
7/3/1991 - 12/5/2015
"Forever 24, loved and missed beyond measure. Our lives are forever changed without you here with us.
He fought hard started with alcohol in middle school and escalated to heroin. 13 plus rehabs, 2 sober living, 11 overdoses. Maximum time clean and sober was approx. 3 years, 8 months. Related and gone in less than a year.
This disease needs to stop!"
Joshua Gillard
PROVIDED
Joshua Gillard, 27, Bay City, Michigan
Gillard accidentally overdosed on March 28, 2017 on fentanyl.
"He has three beautiful children and the love of his life, Sylvia. Deeply missed by family and friends."
Zachary Harrison Wolfe
PROVIDED
Zachary Harrison Wolfe, 24, of Northfield
"Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."
Justin Curtis Wilsoncroft
PROVIDED
Justin Curtis Wilsoncroft, 26, Lancaster, Ohio
Wilsoncroft died from a lethal dose of fentanyl on Dec. 11, 2016 in Lancaster Ohio.
"The worst day of my life finding him that morning. Addiction affects the whole family, our lives have changed forever. Forever 26, missed and loved forever."
James Craig Matzen
PROVIDED
James Craig Matzen, 24, Troy, New York
"He is deeply missed." -Amanda Kernahan, his sister
King Shaffer
PROVIDED
King Shaffer, 49, of Marlton
12/07/66 to 10/29/16
John Ryan Chance
PROVIDED
John Ryan Chance, 33, Hammonton
7-23-83 to 11-5-16
"He was very caring, funny and charismatic. He leaves behind an 8-year-old son, a sister and his parents. He is forever loved and missed."
Dennis Capizola
PROVIDED
Dennis Capizola
Died March 12, 2017
Thomas Martin Kelly
Thomas Martin Kelly, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina
5/23/81 - 12/31/16
"My beautiful second son and father of four."
Nearly 1,270 people in New Jersey lost their lives this year so far to drug overdoses, according to state data.
Reports on drug overdoses have become so detailed and immediate that state officials are better able to grasp the scope of the addiction epidemic.
What is lacking, however, are reports and data that show how many people are in recovery from addiction. South Jersey advocates intend to show communities what that looks like at Stop the Heroin’s annual Recovery Celebration in Atlantic City June 16.
“This is a recovery celebration where people can celebrate themselves, friends and family members who are succeeding in recovery,” said Bill Schmincke, co-founder of Stop the Heroin.
The second annual walk will also honor those who have lost their battles with substance-use disorders. Families and friends will walk the 1.4-mile distance by holding and wearing signs, banners, posters and T-shirts with the names and faces of those who died.
“When people who make these teams in memory of lost loved ones and friends, it’s so heartbreaking, but we’re so thankful that they support this organization that helps people continue in their recovery,” Schmincke said. “There are people like us, who have our son and now honor his memory.”
Schmincke and his wife Tammy, of Mays Landing, created the nonprofit organization shortly after losing their son Steven to a heroin overdose in March 2016. The organization uses any raised money to help people into sober living facilities after they complete detox.
Organizers expect that this year’s event on the Atlantic City Boardwalk will draw up to 1,000 people and double the number of fundraising teams from last year. Schmincke said they have already raised close to $20,000 and hope to surpass last year’s $24,000 mark.
Registration for the 5k and 10k runs opens at 6:30 a.m. at Kennedy Plaza; the races start at 8 a.m. The courses run through Ventnor and Atlantic City. Top finishers will receive medals and free T-shirts.
The walk activities will begin at 10 a.m. with opening remarks from the Schminckes. Other guest speakers include Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, Vanessa Vitolo, recovery advocate and outreach coordinator at Victory Bay Recovery Center, professional skateboarder Brandon Novak and former N.F.L. Denver Bronco Vance Johnson.
The walk will begin at noon followed by free lunch provided by Chico n Sons Pizza and Chick fil A. Soda, juice boxes and snacks will be on sale for $1.
Afternoon speakers include Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler and Steven Kavalkovich, host of the Rescue the Rescuer radio program.
Participants can try to win raffle prizes throughout the day, which include signed Philadelphia Eagles memorabilia, gift baskets, Lakewood Blueclaws baseball tickets and gift cards to Applebees, Crab Trap, Elite Climbing and more.
For more information, to register for the walk, to donate or to become a sponsor, see stoptheheroin.org.