COAL TOWNSHIP - Saturday night's relentless rainstorm didn't stop people from showing their love for 22-year-old David E. Stefanovige, whose life was cut tragically short as a result of a motor vehicle accident Wednesday night near South Williamsport.
In the east parking lot at Shamokin Area High
School at 7 p.m., approximately 60 people huddled together under tents for a 60-minute candlelight vigil to honor their son, dear friend and former student who was described as one of the most loving, caring, intelligent and optimistic people anyone could ever know.
The event was organized by three of Stefanovige's best friends, Janell Nye, Christine Fleming and Adam Krushinskie, and included a memorial table containing various photographs of Stefanovige, prayers, ligthed candles, testimonials, comforting hugs and numerous tears.
Stefanovige's parents, Glenn and Sandra (Stoneroad) Stefanovige, Paxinos, were seated in front of the audience and accepted condolences throughout the vigil while remaining strong.
Nye opened the vigil by stating, "We are here to celebrate the life of an amazing person. We're here to offer each other strength and prayers during this difficult time. We now have the pleasure of knowing David is in heaven."
Nye, who resides in Shamokin, said she helped organize the event because she wanted to pay tribute to her friend's life while helping everyone cope with his loss.
Fleming praised her longtime friend for his caring personality, intelligence, love and dedication to his friends and family.
The Shamokin resident said Stefanovige touched the lives of numerous people during his lifetime, particularly while attending Shamokin Area High School and Susquehanna University, and through his dedication to the Boy Scouts, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
She said, "Shamokin Area High School and Susquehanna University will never be the same without you, David."
Krushinskie, of Irish Valley, described his best friend as a "great person who was always there for others."
Krushinskie's father, Steve Krushinskie, referred to Stefanovige as a "shining star" who was successful in everything he did. ""He was a leader and was so gentle in dealing with people. We will miss him a lot," he said.
Scott Anderson, who serves as audio visual coordinator at Shamokin Area High School, added, "I was proud to have known Dave. He was an amazing kid and the other students respected him so much. He accomplished more in 22 years than most people do in a lifetime."
Bob Jones, the webmaster for Shamokin Area School District who served as Stefanovige's key club adviser, said, "His life emanated his dedication to Scouting, which is all about serving others. He was one of the finest young men I've had the pleasure of knowing. He touched the lives of all of us here tonight and it's going to be a different world without him."
After Stefanovige's friends passed candles around to everyone in attendance to light, several people offered brief remarks about their beloved friend and former student.
Shamokin Area teacher Cathy Dowd described Stefanovige as "fun," energetic" and "bright."
Debra Reed Losiewicz, who was Stefanovige's second-grade teacher, stated, "The greatest gift he gave me was a story he wrote at Christmas. He was a remarkable, gifted young man who influenced my life as a teacher."
Jacob Nye said his friend always put a smile on people's faces and asked everyone to keep their memories of David alive."
Fleming talked about how David loved his friends and family so much.
"His only goal in life was to be like his father," she said. "He also talked about how lost he would be without his mother."
As the candlelight vigil began, the cross on top of Paxinos mountain was lighted to honor Stefanovige, who was a member of Clark's Grove United Methodist Church and played an active role in the annual Easter services held at the cross.
A second candlelight service sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 250 was held from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot at Koppy's Propane along Route 61.