FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Police are continuing an investigation and seeking witnesses to a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of a retired pastor and his sister on the evening of June 4.
The collision occurred at about 6:48 p.m. in an eastbound lane of Route 537 near the intersection of Wemrock Road/Stillwells Corner Road.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said a 2005 Dodge Caravan was stopped at a red light in the right lane of Route 537 when a 2012 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck struck the rear of the minivan. The pickup was being driven by a 19-year-old male who is a resident of Freehold Township.
Gramiccioni has not released the name of the 19-year-old driver.
Two passengers in the Caravan, both of whom were residents of northern New Jersey, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash:
• Dolores Guglielmelli, 87, of Cliffside Park, a left center seat passenger, was taken to CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. She was pronounced dead at 7:49 p.m.
• Father Michael Guglielmelli, 81, of Cliffside Park, a right center seat passenger, was transported to CentraState Medical Center. He died at 10:51 p.m.
A representative of St. Francis Church, Hoboken, said Michael Guglielmelli was a former pastor at the church and that Dolores Guglielmelli was his sister. The woman said Guglielmelli was ordained on May 30, 1970.
Two additional passengers in the Caravan suffered injuries and were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.
St. Francis Church representatives identified those two passengers as female relatives of the Guglielmellis. Authorities have not released their names.
Officials at Jersey Shore University Medical Center said those two individuals remained hospitalized as of June 8.
The driver of the Caravan, a 55-year-old North Brunswick man, was also taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center following the accident. He was treated and released, according to the prosecutor, who did not provide his name.
The 19-year-old driver of the Honda sustained what was described as a minor arm injury in the crash. He was treated and released.
“Our big heart is broken into a million small pieces, but we were all very blessed to have known Father Michael,” St. Francis Church officials wrote in an online statement. “We know your prayers are with him and his family.”
Many Hoboken residents and church parishioners expressed condolences for the Guglielmellis on social media, including Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Father Mike and his sister Dolores,” Zimmer wrote in a Facebook post. “He was such an important part of our community – a warm person who made everyone feel welcome. I have ordered flags to fly at half-staff in his honor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all of the parishioners of St. Francis during this difficult time.”
The collision remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team and the Freehold Township Police Department.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or observed the movement of the Honda prior to the crash is asked to contact Officer Michael Smith at 732-462-7908, ext. 6189. Callers are asked to leave a message with a contact number.