Inside the school gymnasium, photos, flowers and jerseys were on display as the community mourned together with the Gaudreau family in attendance.
Tom Iacovone has been the principal at Gloucester Catholic for five years but has worked at the school for 16 years and taught both brothers.
“I’m just happy that we can have a night like tonight to honor them and to help the family through this incredibly difficult time,” Iacovone said.
Iacovone called news of the brother’s deaths paralyzing. He said he had spoken with Matthew the day he died about his sister’s upcoming wedding.
“When I heard about the tragedy Thursday night, to be honest, I didn’t believe it. When I went to sleep, I was hoping that when I woke up, it wasn’t true,” Iacovone said.
As the tragic reality continues to set in, people who knew and loved Gaudreaus are keeping their memory alive and ensuring their legacy lives on.
The community continues to show their gratitude and support for two men who touched many lives in faraway places, but especially here at home. It was clear how much Gloucester Catholic meant to the Gaudreau brothers.
“Even though they played internationally and were very famous, they never forgot their roots,” Murphy said.
“They gave up their time, their talent, and their treasures back to Gloucester Catholic and we’re very grateful for that,” said Patrick Murphy.
Both brothers leave behind wives and children in addition to their parents, siblings, and other family members.
The funeral for the Gaudreau brothers is set to take place at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania.
The NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, for whom Johnny Gaudreau played and was known around the sport as “Johnny Hockey,” said the team will stream the service on their website.
The suspect, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, is charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
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