Schools

Outpouring Of Grief Continues For Wall Brothers

Those who knew Michael and Steven Dushnick reflect on their lives

An outpouring of sorrow at the loss of two Wall Township brothers continued Friday, a day after the pair was tragically killed in an early morning car accident.

Michael and Stephan Dushnick were remembered Friday as bright young men with promising futures from those who knew them and the schools they attended.

Two vigils were held to honor the lives of the brothers Thursday night -- one at the Birch Place home of Dushnick's parents, and one at Gettysburg College, where the younger brother attended.

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Fraternity brother and friend Michael E. Savery said Friday that Michael Dushnick was "the most genuine person" he had ever met.

"Looking back on the four years I have known him, I cannot remember a time when he was mean or rude to any one. That wasn't who he was," Savery said. "Dush was the most loyal, kind hearted person I have had the opportunity to have as a friend."

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The brothers -- Michael, 22 and Stephan, 24-- were killed when their 2000 Honda Odyssey hit a tree outside 2386 Ramshorn Dr. around 4:27 a.m. Thursday. The two were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities have said.

Michael Dushnick, the driver of the Odyssey, was traveling south on Ramshorn Drive at Paynters Road, crossed over into the oncoming lane, left the road and hit a tree head-on, Wall Police Sgt. Chad Clark said.

Wall High School Principal Rosealeen Sirchio in a statement said the school was "deeply saddened'' to hear of the accident that killed the two, who each graduated from the school -- Michael in 2009 and Steven in 2006.

Saint Rose High School, where family members are alumni, also offered its condolences in a prepared statement: "Join us in prayer for the souls of Michael and Stephen '06 Dushnick, who were lost too soon. We also pray for their sister Kathleen '05, parents (Karen and Stephen) and their grandfather Frank Cummings '43. May God comfort all who grieve their loss."

Sirchio said counselors would be available through the coming weeks for any current students who may need it.

“Wall High School is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident involving two of our former graduates, Michael and Steven Dushnick," Sirchio said in the statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this difficult time."

Counselors would also be available for students at Gettysburg College, said Kendra Martin, college spokeswoman.

Michael Dushnick withdrew from the school following the fall semester, Marin said.

The small liberal arts college of about 2,600 students was shaken by the news of Dushnick's death, she said.

"When something like this happens, it feels like a tragic blow to everyone,'' Martin said.

Michael Dushnick, a former wrestler and lacrosse player at Wall High School, was a Rugby team member at Gettysburg and member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, which put on Thursday's vigil.

"I am truly blessed and honored for being able to call him my brother," said Savery, a former president of Phi Sigma Kappa. "How much Mike will be missed can be neither quantified nor articulated. May he rest in Peace."

Stephan graduated in 2006. He attended The Culinary Institute of America and until recently worked at Old Man Rafferty’s in Asbury Park.

Rachael Web, a manager at Rafferty's, remembered him as a good worker and a talented employee. Web said he left the restaurant to form his own company making portioned out meals for people on the go. 

“He would make healthy meals for people who didn’t have the time to eat right,’’ Web said.

Judy Gilberti, Wall High School guidance counselor who knew both of the brothers, also had kind words Friday.

"Michael and Stephan were kind, caring, and respectful young adults who were well liked by their classmates and the Wall High School staff," Gilberti said. "They were both involved with diverse activities throughout their school and community. They will be missed by many."


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