February 15, 2009 Proud family remembers Pvt. Roberge Play video

(Josh Brogadir, NECN) - A Leominster, Massachusetts family sat down with NECN to speak about their son, Jonathan Roberge's life.

The Roberge house was filled with friends and relatives Saturday who came to console his family.

Jonathan's parents say the support has come from around the country - even from strangers, wishing them well.

"(He) made a lot of people smile. He was like sunshine," said John Roberge about his son Jonathan.

Two heartbroken sisters, a father, a mother, and a brother sit together in their home remembering that sunshine - their son and brother's life.

And it's here that John and Pauline Roberge of Leominster, Massachusetts are grieving their son Jonathan's death.

"One of his friends told me today that he said 'You know when you were with Jonathan' he said 'As soon as Jonathan walked in the room everyone knew it. And if they didn't know Jonathan, they wanted to know Jonathan,'" said Pauline Roberge, Jonathan's mother.

The 22-year old Army Private First Class, a tank gunner, was killed Monday in Mosul, Iraq along with three other American soldiers.

A suicide bomber collided with their humvee while they were on patrol.

"There's three other gentlemen that died that day, too. And I duly have respect for all three of them and their families," said an emotional John Roberge.

Besides his parents, Jonathan leaves behind three younger siblings - two sisters, Sarah 17, Meghan, 19, and a brother

"I've always wanted to be just like him. Always. I was just so happy to have him as an older brother and I'm so proud of him," Andrew Roberge said through tears.

He also leaves behind a school community where he was well-respected for his dedication - though his parents say Jonathan was no academic.

He liked to work on cars and he spent his hours in the auto shop at Leominster High School, graduating from the Center for Technical Education in 2005.

Jonathan then got a job as a technician at a car dealership.

The Roberges didn't know they were to become a military family, but then one day, a little over a year ago, Jonathan came home from work and told his Dad of his intentions to serve.

Soon he was off to boot camp.

"Jonathan was so proud and he, it just gave him a purpose and he said 'Mom, I want to make a difference,'" Pauline Roberge said.

"I was just so proud of him standing at his graduation, seeing him up there and it was very honorable. I can't say enough about it. My little boy turned into a man that day to me," said John Roberge.

And then, last month, Private Roberge left for Iraq.

Flags now line Mechanic Street in Leominster where his body will pass - a tribute for the first serviceman from this North Central Massachusetts city to make the ultimate sacrifice since 1973.

A scholarship is planned in Jonathan Roberge's name.

Donations can be made to the Avidia Bank in Leominster.

The community will remember him with a candlelight vigil at City Hall Monday night at 630pm.

Then Wednesday, the wake will be held from 1pm to 8pm at Leominster City Hall because of the numbers expected to pay their respects, followed by a funeral mass Thursday morning at 11 at St. Cecilia's Church.

NECN's Josh Brogadir reports.