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Memorial Held For PGW Worker Killed In Tacony Explosion

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Keely's family wanted to thank everyone for the outpouring of support as they prepare for his funeral on Saturday.

Mark Keely's parents and family hugged tearful friends and neighbors in an emotional memorial for the 19 year old PGW worker killed in Monday night's explosion.

"He loved every single one of you guys. Every single person in this room he loved in his own way," Mark's friend Kate said.

The memorial at St. Cecilia, where mark went to grade school drew hundreds.

"If you knew Mark he would probably be saying 'yeah it sucks that I'm dead, but don't be upset do your grieving be happy' and like one of Mark's tattoos said live everyday like it is your last," Mark's brother-in-law Joe Mazza said.

It was another extremely emotional day for Mark's family. Earlier they went to the scene of the explosion on the 6900 block of Torresdale Avenue.

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They were consoled with hugs and well wishes from PGW workers.

Mark's father also works for PGW, his son was following in his footsteps.

"We did what we could. It was a freak accident," said firefighter Don Pearl, one of the firefighters injured in the explosion. "I no sooner turned and I just seen red. I tried to run, but I couldn't. I just remember rolling," he said.

He asked people pray for the PGW workers hurt, and for Keely's family.

"He was the kind of person when he walked into a room, he lifted people up. Always smiling, joyful, vibrant," Mark's friend Father Carl Janicki said.

Three PGW workers remain hospitalized.

There are listed in critical, but stable condition at Temple Hospital.

Reported By Todd Quinones, CBS 3

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