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September 6, 2006

Update: Seekonk mother recalls 'kind, loving' son / Photo

Journal photo/ Bob Thayer
A pair of military boots and a fatigue jacket were among the items displayed by the family today outside their home.

SEEKONK, Mass. -- A deeply religious Catholic family stood in their back yard today by tables they had set up as a memorial to their son Eric Valdepeñas, a 21-year-old Marine lance corporal who was killed by a roadside bomb Monday in Iraq.

Valdepeñas was on patrol in Fallujah when his vehicle was struck by the bomb, known as an "improvised explosive device," the Marines said.

Valdepeñas, the son of Dr. Jesus B. Valdepeñas, an East Providence family practice doctor, and Anne-Marie Valdepeñas, was the youngest of eight children.

His parents and several of his siblings talked to reporters late this morning. A sister walked out with her hand on her father's arm as if to support him. Dr. Valdepeñas had trouble speaking.

"I miss my son," he said.

He told me, " 'Dad, you're going to be proud of me,' " his father said.

Then the father added, "He's not coming back any more."

The Marine's mother called her son "a loving, kind, loyal friend."

One sister was overcome with emotion and had another sister read her prepared statement.

Valdepeñas was a 2003 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, where he was a star athlete and an honors student. The family has started a scholarship in his honor.

The family is still praying about the details of the award, but the recognition of a student with outstanding character would probably go to a lacrosse player, perhaps from the region, Taillon said.

Anyone wishing to make a donation toward that award, Taillon said, can send contributions to the school: The Eric Valdepeñas Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bishop Hendricken High School, 2615 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI, 02889.

-- Read today's Journal story.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Jack Perry  at 1:47 PM | Permalink

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