Funeral Held For New Jersey Marine Killed In Afghanistan

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) -- A Marine helicopter pilot from southern New Jersey who was killed in combat in Afghanistan late last month has been laid to rest.

Hundreds of people gathered Saturday at a Gloucester County church to honor Ryan K. Iannelli of East Greenwich Township. He was killed Sept. 28 when his helicopter crashed in the Helmand province (see related story).

The 27-year-old Iannelli was a first lieutenant at the time of his death, but was posthumously promoted to captain. A 2002 graduate of Kingsway Regional High School, he is survived by his parents and a sister.

Iannelli was assigned to the Marine Light Attack helicopter squadron 269, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Air Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force. He was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, N.C.

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