TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – There was a somber tone at the James J. McCann Center in the Town of Poughkeepsie Wednesday instead of the normal excitement that emanates during the sporting events there at Marist College.

Friends, students and faculty gathered in the gym to honor Eva Block and Kerry Fitzsimons, both 21-year-old seniors, and Kevin Johnson, 21, a Dutchess Community College student, who died in a fire Saturday on Fairview Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie  All three died from smoke inhalation during the fire, which is still under investigation.

“We’re grateful that Eva, Kerry and Kevin were part of our lives,” said Marist’s President Dr. Dennis Murray, at the beginning of the memorial service. “We will treasure their memories.”

College officials estimated about 2,500 people attended the memorial service, which included vocal and instrumental music, prayers and comments from students, Murray and other faculty members.

A long procession of faculty and students, many dressed in black, descended off the hill from the campus common areas for the service to the athletic center, located on Marist’ south end.
But others like Nick Bramall, Marist freshman from Newburgh who plays on the men’s soccer team, gathered with friends at the entrance of the McCann Center prior to the service.

“It’s a terrible thing,” said Bramall, who did not personally know the victims. “Everybody is a little depressed. It took us all by shock.”

Bramall said he and many others attended the service to honor the three, who died so suddenly last weekend.

“It’s a tough time for Marist, but we’ll get through it together,” he said.

The death’s also highlighted the compassion from the Marist community, which was evident at the service – despite the pervasive somberness in the building and on campus Wednesday.

“I think it will bring us closer together. As you can see, there’s a lot of support here,” said Bramall. “It’s nice that everyone is here.”