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Brianna
12 years ago

I never met natalie, but her mom and my mom used to work together. from all the stories i heard about her, she seemed like a really nice girl. R.I.P

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Chris
13 years ago

I never met Natalie, but I had an assembly in school the other day and saw her story and it's really sad but inspiring. I'm sorry for the loss all her friends and family had, it was a devastating loss. I wish there be stricter control on drugs and on the border of the United States. Everyone can do something to prevent deaths like Natalie's from happening, let her death be a wake up call to drug addicts and the government.

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Rachel Tallon
13 years ago

Natalie, not a day goes by when I dont think about you. I can only hope to make you proud one day. I know you have visited me in my dreams. I can still hear your laugh. Everywhere I go I talk about you. I still dont believe it. I promise you, I will do all I can to put an end to this epidemic. I only wish I had been there for you. 2 years it has been and I feel like it was yesterday. You are so beautiful and I promise I will do all I can to share your beauty with the world. I'll meet you in my dreams.

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Nat, whenever someone brings your name up or i get reminded of you and your inspiring personality, i think of your amazing smile. To this day i can close my eyes and see you walking down the hall being ur friendly bubbly-self to everyone. I really miss you and although when we were neighbors we werent the closest i regret every moment cause i missed out on having an amzing friend. But now i know when we meet agian in heaven i have that oppertunity and i will deffinatly take advantage, you are missed dearly & you have WONDERFUL, LOVING parents that have gone to every extreme to not only help themselves recover from their devastating lost, but also help prevent what has happened to them, for others. Wish you were here </3 love always Jessica DeSalvo

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Connie
15 years ago

I am so sorry for Natalie, If only our children could of gotten a second chance. Please look up www.ourwall.net click on computers, click Cheryl Dean, 2nd column. Everyone else on this web site died except Cheryl who really isn't living. Cheryl is 29 years old now and I still visit her everday in the nursing home.

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Ken
14 years ago

I am so sorry for Natalie, If only our children could of gotten a second chance you can thank hillary clinton for that!!! she likes the borders open for all the drugs to come in!!

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jerry
14 years ago

KEN you are a brainless wonder - hillary clinton is responsible? really?!? no one forced this unfortunate girl to take drugs - she did that of her own free will. Or maybe her "boyfriend" assisted her? Phillip Ordaya, 22, of Beechwood Place in Seaford, was arrested on a misdemeanor possession charge Jan. 15 after officers stopping him for a traffic violation found he had eight packets of heroin, police said. He had dated Natalie Ciappa, the woman whose death catalyzed an countywide effort on heroin, police said. A defense attorney who handled his unrelated felony drug arrest last year did not return comment. Records show Ordaya pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree charge of conspiracy. He was released on his own recognizance, records show, and is due in court next week on the latest charge. (NCPD Photo / February 17, 2009)

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Connie
15 years ago

Please look up www.ourwall.net click on computers, click on Cheryl Dean, 2nd column. Everyone else on this web site died except my daughter who really isn't living. Cheryl is 29 now and still lives in the nursing home. I visit her everday. If only she didn't go to Centereach High School, I really believe this might not have happened. Cheryl still can't walk, talk, move legs arms or hands is blind and on a feeding tube. Stony Brook Hospital sent her to a nursing home in upstate New York. Connie Schenectady, N.Y. Cheryl's mom ccannizz@nycap.rr.com

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Ken
14 years ago

its very sad that hillary clinton thinks ther her appitight for drugs is her fault but in realaity it is her and the governments fault for not protecting our children!! She likes having the borders open! for all the drugs to come in!! so you can thank hillary clinton for that!! god bless!!

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Ken
14 years ago

I am so sorry for Natalie, If only our children could of gotten a second chance you can thank hillary clinton for that!!! she likes the borders open for all the drugs to come in!!

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meg
15 years ago

It is absolutely amazing what her parents have done. Their crusade will hopefully lessen the staggering numbers of LI teens addicted and dying from this debilitating drug/disease. I sincerely applaud them for making noise and demanding awareness in these towns that would otherwise pride themselves on the so-called perfect suburban existence. Whenever we turn the cheek and say not my child is when we all lose as a society. Please understand it doesn’t matter how much money you have, it all comes down to paying attention and being aware. Do not be naive!

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J Ford
15 years ago

When I read the story in Newsday about Natalie I thought to myself "Why is this happening to these young kids? Why could this boy be so callous at a young age to just be cleaning up around his friend, worrying more about the beer bottles than this girl." I thought about my niece who is 17 and my nephew who is 21, that this could be one of them. Then that thought became a reality for my sister, nephew and I when we discovered my beautiful niece is using heroin. I had her read the story about Natalie; because she was young, beautiful and had a lifetime ahead of her. Unfortunately, my niece doesn't get it. She doesn't understand how fragile life is and in one moment it could be gone. We are trying so hard. I honestly felt such immense empathy for Natalies' parents when I first read her story and now even more. It is hard to keep up this fight, I commend them for all they did to help Natalie. I truely wish they can get some comfort in helping others.

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friend
15 years ago

Put her in rehab A.S.A.P

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johnmarsh
15 years ago

very much

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B
15 years ago

I am a health teacher and I am going to share this story with my students. I think it will help to steer kids clear from heroin and hopefully will save lives.

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johnmarsh
15 years ago

hi

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Christina D.
15 years ago

R.I.P Nat<3 we will always love you

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15 years ago

My name is Nick Nardone, My daughter Michelle died of a heroin overdose, shortly before natalie.she was only 17. her story was in july 27th sunday newsday.the torment myself, family and friends are still going through, I wouldnt wish on any parent. Michelle also has a respectance.com site.there were 500 people at her wake, she was loved.I would like to correspond with the Ciappa's, if someone reading this could forward them my email, I would appreciate that. ncknardone@yahoo.com

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Ken
14 years ago

its very sad that hillary clinton thinks ther Our Children Have A Vivatious appitight for drugs is Our! (america's) fault but in realaity it is her and the governments fault for not protecting our children!! She likes having the borders open! for all the drugs to come in!! so you can thank Hillary Clinton for that!! god bless!!

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Anthony
15 years ago

I didn't know Natalie or her family or anything about her before her death. I am a 20 year old male from Suffolk County Long Island who can relate a lot to this young lady. I'm very into the news and Natalie's story caught my eye. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the young lady was that had passed and as I read on I learned she was an athlete, an honor student, a great singer, and had many family and friends who loved her. I learned that she had overdosed on heroin and the story brought me to tears. I am like Natalie in so many ways. I was a multisport athlete, an honors student, overall a popular guy, with many friends and I too have a loving family. The last thing that Natalie and I have in common is we are both heroin addicts. At the time i was reading her article I was using heroin on a daily basis. I was scared to death, wasting away all my god-given gifts and praying for a way to get help. I'm not sure what gave me the strength to ask for the help I needed but a little over 2 months ago I came clean with my family and admitted I was an addict and needed help. While I was in detox my mother gave me some articles about the heroin problems on LI and once again i was looking at Natalie's beautiful face in front of me. Throughout my stay in detox and rehab I kept a journal at my side wherever I went. On the cover were pictures of my younger sister, a mass card of my friend who passed away (murdered by oxycontin addicts during a drug deal), and a picture of Natalie. I use her as an inspiration. She watches over me every day and helps me to achieve what she wasn't blessed enough to be able to do on her own. I'm now out of rehab and rebuilding my young life and I know that Natalie is supporting me. I don't know if her family will read this but I want them to know that their daughter/sister/loved one's memory has touched at least one young person's heart and helped him to begin changing his life. I know it must be tough to have your personal business all over the press but I believe that they decided to talk to the media in hopes that her story would get through to others and encourage them to get the help Natalie neglected. I am forever greatful for the help that Natalie encouraged me to get and I owe a portion of the last 64 (and counting) days of sobriety and happiness to her. My heart goes out to all the friends and loved ones of Natalie. May she rest peacefully, and may we all pray that others that are in the situation that myself and Natalie were in find the help they need. Anthony

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denise baruso
15 years ago

Hi Anthony,Im Natalie's cousin Denise and just read your beautiful words.I'm happy to know that my cousin made a diffference in your life.Maybe that was her purpose here.Her death brought us great sadness but change many lives for the better.I know she's up there watching over all of us, an angel we can always call upon.Stay well Anthony, I hope you always find comfort in knowing Natalie is by your side.

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Anthony
15 years ago

Thanks Denise

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Anthony
15 years ago

I didn't know Natalie or her family or anything about her before her death. I am a 20 year old male from Suffolk County Long Island who can relate a lot to this young lady. I'm very into the news and Natalie's story caught my eye. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the young lady was that had passed and as I read on I learned she was an athlete, an honor student, a great singer, and had many family and friends who loved her. I learned that she had overdosed on heroin and the story brought me to tears. I am like Natalie in so many ways. I was a multisport athlete, an honors student, overall a popular guy, with many friends and I too have a loving family. The last thing that Natalie and I have in common is we are both heroin addicts. At the time i was reading her article I was using heroin on a daily basis. I was scared to death, wasting away all my god-given gifts and praying for a way to get help. I'm not sure what gave me the strength to ask for the help I needed but a little over 2 months ago I came clean with my family and admitted I was an addict and needed help. While I was in detox my mother gave me some articles about the heroin problems on LI and once again i was looking at Natalie's beautiful face in front of me. Throughout my stay in detox and rehab I kept a journal at my side wherever I went. On the cover were pictures of my younger sister, a mass card of my friend who passed away (murdered by oxycontin addicts during a drug deal), and a picture of Natalie. I use her as an inspiration. She watches over me every day and helps me to achieve what she wasn't blessed enough to be able to do on her own. I'm now out of rehab and rebuilding my young life and I know that Natalie is supporting me. I don't know if her family will read this but I want them to know that their daughter/sister/loved one's memory has touched at least one young person's heart and helped him to begin changing his life. I know it must be tough to have your personal business all over the press but I believe that they decided to talk to the media in hopes that her story would get through to others and encourage them to get the help Natalie neglected. I am forever greatful for the help that Natalie encouraged me to get and I owe a portion of the last 64 (and counting) days of sobriety and happiness to her. My heart goes out to all the friends and loved ones of Natalie. May she rest peacefully, and may we all pray that others that are in the situation that myself and Natalie were in find the help they need. Anthony

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Robert Pucciarelli
15 years ago

I graduated from Plainedge in 1984. My class saw a member, Karen Busto overdose on drugs as well. It also saw my closest friend Eddie killed 4 years after graduation. He was killed in the line of duty as a NYC police officer, anyone attending Plainedge will seethe field name in his honor as they attend football games or park thier cars inthe morning. Ironic to think the same place where we parked our cars and hung out etc. would be named after one of my friends in memoriam. I used to hang out and do some "questionable" things in High School as well. While these years appear to be the most important thing in the universe at thetime, once you graduate and move intothe real world, you'll realize that it is a very small part of your lives. At this time you think that nothing could possibly happen to you but it does, there is no rewind in life as Natalie and Eddie found out, drug use always ends one way and it's never good. Not a day goes by when I don't think about Eddie. Think twice people, Natalie either didn't or couldn't help herself, she paid the ultimate price for that as did her family, God Bless her and may she rest in peace taken too soon. sincerely,Robert Pucciarelli

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Linda
15 years ago

Even though I didnt know Natalie,her story reminds me of my beloved niece who passed away exactly 3 weeks before.My niece was also a free spirit and unique. 2 young beautiful girls that should still be here. R.I.P Natalie My condolances to her family and friends.

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nile m hunt
15 years ago

i didnt know this young woman,but i feel her families pain.i read an article about her in the MD gazette and broke down crying,the area i live in isnt bad,but the drug use is.atleast once a month a young person dies from an overdose down here.some friends,some aquintances.it is a huge problem that needs to be stopped. if i can help in any way please contact me. Nile Hunt 420 255 0165. lets try and save the next young girls life before she looses it to peer pressure and drug use.once again im sorry for her families loss and any others family that has gone thru this.

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anthony DiCapua
15 years ago

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anthony DiCapua
15 years ago

natalie, i can't even begin to explain how much we all miss you here. i think about you every single day and every single hour, oh how I just wish you were still here with us laughing and being the person you always were. you were honestly one of the only people that could put me in the best moods ever. whenever i saw you, there was no possible way for me to be upset because you just would never stop smiling and you were always down to have a good time, where ever we were. i will never forget our amazing times @ warped tour and bamboozle, and at all of those crazy parties we used to go to in 11th grade. you are such an amazing person and I will always remember you for that. I miss you so much natalie, it's unreal that you are gone. you have been in my dreams for a week or so now and I really feel like you are still here when I wake up.. I love it because you are in my dreams but I hate it when I wake up because it's back to reality and I can't be hanging out with you partying in my dreams, haha. but seriously, i'll miss going to shows with you so much and partying with you all the time. you were such a free spirit, always down for whatever and such an outgoing person. whenever i think of all of our amazing times, i just laugh and smile. me genna alice brie and danielle went to your house a week ago, it was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do but i'm so happy I decided to go. your mom gave me your bamboozle t-shirt when we went in 10TH grade! i miss those times so much. I know i will see you someday, not right now but in the future I hope you are the first one waiting there for me in the end of all of this- I hope you are happy now, I really do. I love you so much and always have, you were seriously one of my best friends. Always will miss you, dicap

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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nickjorgy
15 years ago

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mom
15 years ago

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Mike
11 years ago

Everytime I see these photos I get light headed and just try to remember that she had a great time at her prom and that I had something to do with that. You are missed and tank you for bringing me with you to your senior prom.

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mom
15 years ago

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mom
15 years ago

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larry zucchero
15 years ago

natalie...i didnt no u as long or well as the others on the block but u were a great sister to nick and logan we all miss you and love you. u were always smiling and laughing like a happy young lady i would of never expected u to overdose but we still all loved you no matter what.... i remember not to long ago like a few weeks before u passed away u were on my go kart going up and down the block just hangihg out with everybody on the block. i love you nat. RIP

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Joanne Lastra
15 years ago

I Thank the person who set up this website, its a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. My heart goes out to everyone in the family. I know Natalies death has very hard on so many. Know that she will always be with us. God Bless

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anonymous
15 years ago

I am the mother of a 14 year old girl, who like Natalie is smart and full of talent. She has sung the "National Anthem" in school for special events, she was a cheerleader, a dancer, and scored high honors until about a year ago. She started with alcohol and quickly progressed to most recently cocaine. She also fell in love with a much older man, she is 14, he is 23. We did all we could to keep them apart, but not even the police could help us. We put her in different treatment facilities to try to reach her but the more we tried the more she rebelled. I guess we're fortunate that our daughter is still a minor and we were able to push to get her into a residential program now. I feel for the Ciappa family and I cry whenever I think about it, it breaks my heart that such a beautiful, talented girl wasted her life. It's a sad statement for the world we live in now. I hope that someday in the future our children can be better protected because I fear for my daughter's life. I hope she can learn from other's mistakes and put her life back together so one day some other mother isn't writing on a similar web site memorializing my daughter. To the Ciappa family, my heart goes out to you as I sit here crying for both of our families and others like ours. Stay strong and know that you're not alone.

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diane
15 years ago

Although I didn't know her, Natalie's family and I have some things in common. It is my hope that when the time comes I will hear some news of laws changed so that parents are able do what they want to do and that is help their children. My heart and prayers go out to all who knew her. She sounds/looked like a really wonderful young woman.

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Linda
15 years ago

3 weeks before Natalie passed away,my 17 year old Niece died,her parents went to wake her in bed on 5/31 but she was already gone.I hope the deaths of these 2 beautiful young girls can help other people who might have similar problems and they get help before its to late.The grieving is almost unbearable for my brother and his wife,if these kids only knew the pain their parents and family are going through. RIP Natalie.God Bless You

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nick bellia
15 years ago

natalie , i was just about 10 when you started baby sitting me the first time you every aby sat me i was so happy because i new your brother and i thought it was cool to no you to no you to i new it was going to be fun because nick said you were and for the 2 and 1/2 years you did it was fun the world just lost a very funn good person.javascript:void(null)

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Katie
15 years ago

Wow... it seems like yesterday when we were seven and I moved down the block from you. I remember exactly what happened and exactly what you had said. It was summer and you were pushing a pink baby stroller down the block. You had said that we can share dolls and be best friends and that is what we became. For the two years I had lived with my grandmother we were joined by the hip.You were there to have sleep overs with and play barbies. Once we started liking boys (such as Thomas Warren and Nick Occhino lol) you were there to listen as well. Even though I have moved many places through out the 11 years we have known eachother we always kept in touch. I have no pictures to share or notes that you have written me in the past because I put them in the casket with you, I had wanted you to always have the memories we have shared because I know I will. The last time I had seen you it was in March thats when you told me what you were doing...how I wanted to pull you away but I know you wouldnt listen... we had shared everything while knocking back some vanilla flavored vodka in your room you told me about that guy, how I wish I remembered his name, and you told me how he had broke your heart and I had told you about my heart as well we drank and shared scares(literally) We were both crazy but I always though that some how you would always be alright. I believed you to be stronger then what you were and I want to beat the shit out of you because you broke my heart. I had always looked up to you and envyed you. If only you saw what a beautiful, intelligent, fun loving girl you were, maybe you you would still be alive today. I miss you so much and I will always have you in my heart. Your friends may not know me and may not think that i know you as well as I lead on but I do because you and I are one in the same. God bless you beautiful and God bless your family. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace

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Pictures of natalie
15 years ago

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Charlene
15 years ago

what a beautiful girl.:( rest in peace

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Pictures of natalie
15 years ago

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Pictures of natalie
15 years ago

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Gabby Bellia
15 years ago

Natalie, i remember when you used babysit me and my brother, i remember when we used to play jokes on you and you would never get mad you always ended up laughing about it later we always had such a great time watching movies,making popcorn and sundaes.i remember when we would pick you up for a cheerleading competitions and you would always tell us all your stories on the way.i remember when you would sing the national anthem you always had a special voice to me,when we were done with the competition no matter if we did great or failed terribly you always would say"great job" and would give us big group hugs. i will always remember your voice and how much you meen to me as a baysitter,a coach,or just as a friend r.i.p natalie we will all always remember u love gabrielle god bless the ciappas

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

Natalie, It seems like just yesterday when we met in social studies in 6th grade. We hit it off from there. We always hung out and I was always able to tell you anything knowing with would stay between me and you. You always knew how to put a smile on my face! And thank you for convincing my dad to by me my furniture and mattress. You were always able to make him say yes to pretty much ANYTHING. I can't forget the time when we went to Bermuda and your whole face peeled! It was funny but you did not see it that way! Going to Florida was fun too. You always had a smile on your face when you were on the roller coasters. And that was the thing… no matter what you did you always had a beautiful smile on your face. There is also no way I can forget the time you gave me mono and you snuck through my window with Danielle to bring me a cake for my birthday! There are so many memories I have with you that I cannot even write them all!! We did everything together. I’ll miss you like crazy Nat!! Best Friends For Life. Brie

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

Natalie, It seems like just yesterday when we met in social studies in 6th grade. We hit it off from there. We always hung out and I was always able to tell you anything knowing with would stay between me and you. You always knew how to put a smile on my face! And thank you for convincing my dad to by me my furniture and mattress. You were always able to make him say yes to pretty much ANYTHING. I can't forget the time when we went to Bermuda and your whole face peeled! It was funny but you did not see it that way! Going to Florida was fun too. You always had a smile on your face when you were on the roller coasters. And that was the thing… no matter what you did you always had a beautiful smile on your face. There is also no way I can forget the time you gave me mono and you snuck through my window with Danielle to bring me a cake for my birthday! There are so many memories I have with you that I cannot even write them all!! We did everything together. I’ll miss you like crazy Nat!! Best Friends For Life. Brie

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

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sally
13 years ago

oh dear, i think you can't find the right words for that... i'm so sorry for that horrible happening

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sally
13 years ago

oh dear, i think you can't find the right words for that... i'm so sorry for that horrible happening

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BrieAnne
15 years ago

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Glen FitzSimons
15 years ago

Ontario Ave. Added 5 days ago By Glen FitzSimons we had so mutch fun as kids growing up on the same block with the same friends. as we got older we kept in touch but went our seperate ways i wish we never did i wish we could have stayed on the block with the same friends forever where nobody will give you a baggy with a little somethin in it where there were no problems no worries cause there was nothing to worry about where no fight lasted more than 5 minutes before everyone forgot about it we all wish we could go back there and guess what, you beats us there back to the place with no worries or problems nobody with drugs no enemies eveyeone is friends with everyone and no one fights or hurts eachother so i hope you enjoy it up there on your second block enjoy the peace because before you know it we will all be there with you Rest In Peace Love, Glen FitzSimons

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Plainedge Resident
15 years ago

Dear Natalie, I never met you so you probably dont know me either. My brother was good friends with your brother Nick. I heard about what happened to you, and I feel soo bad. Every single night since this happened I think about what happened to you. Your death affected me so much and i just cant get it off my mind.I hope to meet you one day in heaven. And my condolences to the Ciappa family, I cant even imagine what you had to go through and I'm so sorry you had to lose her so young. No one deserves that. I heard that she got along with everyone and everyone loved her. I've seen pictures of her and she was such a beautiful girl. No one will EVER forget her. May she rest in peace<3

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Anonymous
15 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. Ciappa...I work with your son Jesse and just wanted to express my sympathies to you and your family. No matter what the reason for Natalies death is...no matter who the judgemental outsiders point their fingers at...we all as parents share in your loss. She was your baby and always will be. Pray she is at peace now and cherish the memories until you meet again. Natalie lives in you all as a loving family. My prayers are with you all in this time of loss.

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NORMA MALDONADO
15 years ago

ALTHOUGH I DIDNT KNOW U MY PRAYERS GOES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY GOD GUIDE U AND MAKE U STRONGER..

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