NEWS

Parsippany student dies after long illness

William Westhoven
@WWesthoven

Peter Hebberd, the Parsippany High School senior whose long battle with brain tumors inspired a recent "Pete Week" celebration at his school, died on Friday. He was 17.

"Our angel Peter Edward Hebberd joined Jesus late last evening as a result of complications during surgery to correct a malfunctioning Ommaya reservoir," his mother, Roxanne Hebberd, wrote on the nonprofit website CaringBridge.org.

"Our hearts are heavy, but we know he lives on in us, his immediate and extended family, his friends and as a believer, has eternal life in Christ. Despite the efforts of the team at (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), who loved and cared for him these past few years, simply nothing more could be done. He, and we are at peace, knowing he is in the presence of his Father."

The family announced Tuesday that it will host a celebration of his life 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 153 Grove St., Montclair.

"We are not calling it a memorial, it is a celebration," Roxanne Hebbert said. "All we ask is for anyone who comes to wear something blue. That was Peter's favorite color. We're going all out with that."

The popular young man drew an outpouring of support from the public last month through an online fundraiser at the website GoFundMe.com, which raised almost $10,000 in two months.

"It's difficult to put into words. I think we all feel lucky to have known him," said Parsippany High School Principal Denis Mulrooney on Tuesday. "The kids are numb right now, his most direct classmates are really hurting. We will miss him, and remember his capacity for love, and his capacity for life."

Hebberd, who endured treatments for recurrent brain tumors and cysts since 2003, was unable to attend the "Pete Week" celebration Dec. 15-19 organized by teachers and classmates at his school. Events that week included a "Blue Out Day" throughout the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District that invited everyone to wear blue in unified support of a young man they refer to as their "hero."

The school also placed an engraved brick in the school's main entrance walkway honoring Hebberd and his family.

"Peter is the most caring, empathetic, selfless person I've ever known," said Jennifer Fedo, his life-skills and job-skills teacher during "Pete Week."

"He makes people laugh, he puts others first, and he's just very genuine. I know that if someone else were in his situation, Peter would be the first one asking how he could help," Fedo said.

Mulrooney said he has spoken with the family about the possibility of establishing a memorial scholarship in Hebberd's name.

In addition to the celebration in Montclair, Roxanne Hebberd says "We'll do something locally. We're still working on that."

Details will be posted at CaringBridge and other social media sites, she said.

"Please know that your prayers, emotional, physical and financial support during this 11-year odyssey have meant the world to Peter and our entire family," she said. "God bless you all."

Peter Hebberd was predeceased by his maternal grandfather and namesake, Gordon "Pete" Branch, and his paternal grandparents Wilfred and Teresa Hebberd.

He is survived by his parents, Roxanne and Steven; his sister, Melissa; grandmother Barbara Branch; aunts Sandra and Linda Hebberd; and uncles William Hebberd and Todd Branch.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-428-6627; wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com.