CLARKSBORO, NJ, US
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT, HMLA-269, (II MEF FWD), MAG-29, 2D MAW, MCAS NEW RIVER, NC
09/28/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Capt. Ryan Iannelli loved baseball.
The East Greenwich native played the game for the township, then for Kingsway High School, where he was captain of the team, and then in college. The love of the game stuck with him for a lifetime and now his family and his alma mater are honoring him by holding a home run derby to raise money for a scholarship in his name.
Iannelli graduated from in Kingsway in 2002 and attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. before joining the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the Marine Light Attack helicopter squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
On Sept. 28, 2011 Iannelli was killed during combat missions in Helmand Province, Afghanistan and now his family and the Kingsway community are working to keep his memory alive within the community.
“I prayed for months of how to honor Ryan and get a scholarship going,” said Donna Iannelli, Ryan’s mother. “This is perfect for what Ryan loved. He loved family and friends, and of course his love for baseball just ties it all together.”
On the Kingsway baseball field where Iannelli won the tri-county championship upon more than a decade ago, which now holds his name on the scoreboard, a Home Run Derby will be held May 17. There will be three divisions of competition — high school, college and adult — and there will be activities for children and families as well. Registration is $25 for students or $35 for non-students. The deadline for registration is May 2.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All money raised will go toward a scholarship in Iannelli’s name that will be awarded to a graduating Kingsway senior each year.