By: Richard L. Smith
On May 18, 2024, more than 40 family members and friends of the late Andrew Colucci, 28, of Cranford gathered for a heartwarming tribute at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life.
The “Andrew’s Angels” 5K team was one of the largest teams at the event, which united thousands of organ and tissue transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and dedicated volunteers in a powerful show of support for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
According to NJ Sharing Network, Andrew tragically passed away in 2018 but left a legacy of compassion as an organ and tissue donor, saving and enhancing many lives.
His parents, Karen and Frank Colucci, led the 5K team, expressing immense pride in knowing that Andrew’s caring spirit continues to impact others.
Andrew was a graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City and held a B.S. degree in Business/Finance from Monmouth University, where he was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity.
Known for his passion for physical fitness and nutrition, Andrew loved to cook and explore new restaurants.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, presented by Hackensack Meridian Health, is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable 5K events.
This year's event in Ocean Grove celebrated the lives of organ donors like Andrew, whose selfless gifts have made a lasting difference.
Pictured here (left-to-right) are Mary Beth Sullivan-Bilavsky, Moira Mitchell, John Mitchell, Karen Colucci, Frank Colucci, Dominick DiLillo, JoAnn Minafo, and Karina DiLillo, proudly representing "Andrew’s Angels" and continuing his legacy of giving.