Sudden brain tumor takes freshman’s life
By Olivia Tattory
Freshman Ryan Marsich, a political science major, died suddenly at University Hospital in Newark on Oct. 5 from complications of a brain tumor with which he was diagnosed just a week earlier.
The 18-year-old from Montville, N.J., reported headaches and blurred vision on Sept. 28. and upon medical evaluations was hospitalized immediately, according to his mother, Corinne Marsich.
“He was not able to return [to Rider],” said Corinne. “Ryan was hospitalized right away and that Friday [Sept. 28] was his last day of classes.”
Freshman Ricky DelGaldo met Marsich during freshman orientation when the two decided to begin their years at Rider together as roommates. After hanging out every day since the beginning of the semester the two became “really good friends,” said DelGaldo.
“He used to wake me up for class every morning when I wouldn’t get up,” he added.
Both Corinne Marsich and DelGaldo noted the freshman’s love for music. The Used and Anti-Flag were two of Marsich’s favorite bands and DelGaldo knew to expect him in the room listening to just about anything after classes.
After receiving word of Marsich’s condition, DelGaldo and a few friends went to visit him in the hospital just a few days before he died.
“We weren’t sure if he was going to make it or not,” said DelGaldo. “Everything got really bad really fast.”
With aspirations to join the University’s radio station, WRRC, Marsich was really excited to get involved with campus activities, his mother said.
Marsich was the oldest, by a minute and a half, of triplets, said Corinne Marsich. And although his siblings, Marc and Briana, attend universities in Connecticut, Marsich was extremely happy he chose Rider.
“He loved Rider,” said Corinne. “He loved all of his professors. He loved all of his classes and made some really nice friends there.”
Marsich was born in Paterson and lived in Lincoln Park before moving to Montville six years ago.
Those interested can contribute to the Ryan T. Marsich Memorial Fund by contacting the American Brain Tumor Association. Pre-addressed envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Visiting hours for Marsich are today, Friday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Keri Memorial Home, 125 Main St., Lincoln Park. Mass will be at noon Saturday in St. Pius X Church, Change Bridge Road, Montville, followed by a private cremation.
