---

NORTH ATTLEBORO - Mourners packed St. Mary's Church Friday to say a final farewell to Marine Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen, remembering his character and courage as he was laid to rest.

Van De Giesen, 29, was killed Oct. 26 in a midair helicopter crash in Afghanistan, leaving behind his wife Megan, who is pregnant with the couple's second child, and a daughter, Avery. He is also survived by his parents, Calvin and Ruth Ann; sister, Caitlin; and brothers, Ryan and Christian Van De Giesen.

The hearse bearing Van De Giesen's flag-draped coffin arrived at St. Mary's Church after driving beneath a huge U.S. flag hoisted by two North Attleboro Fire Department ladder trucks. The hearse was escorted by police, who had his picture taped onto their motorcycles.

Van De Giesen, a 1998 North Attleboro high School graduate and then-star football quarterback, was remembered for his dedication to family and his drive to achieve his goals.

Army Capt. Michael Rozzetti, who was friends with Van De Giesen, read a heart-wrenching letter to Van De Giesen from his father during the eulogy. In the letter, Calvin Van De Giesen said his son's "heroism has been etched across this nation."

"Your life is being celebrated by many who never knew you and many more who did. You've touched them all in some profound way in a testament to your character as an individual," he wrote.

Calvin Van De Giesen also promised to "man up" - one of Kyle's expressions - to fulfill his son's most important mission, helping to take care of Kyle's wife Megan, his daughter Avery Grace and his yet-to-be born son.

"I lost an integral part of my very being. You were my heart. You were my soul," he wrote, saying he will still be able to see Kyle's eyes and smile in Avery. "Your newborn son will be a constant reminder of what we have lost and, more importantly, what we have gained."

Marine Capt. Eric Fleming, who served with Van De Giesen for the past nine years, shared personal stories about their time together.

He said Van De Giesen had a rough start in flight school because of stomach trouble, but kept working in pursuit of his dream.

"As a Marine officer, he was respected and loved. He set a very high standard for everyone," Fleming said. "He loved his family dearly and wasn't afraid to show it."

Van De Giesen was awarded an Air Medal for heroic actions he took on May 19, during a six-hour firefight that occurred when the Taliban launched weapons against U.S. troops.

When his wingman was hit, Van De Giesen flew his helicopter between his wingman and the enemy to suppress the attack in a high-risk action that resulted in zero American casualties.

Van De Giesen, who has been lauded as a hometown hero, fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a military helicopter pilot. "Whether you knew Kyle all his life long or, like me, you've only known him these past two weeks, we have all been blessed to to know a young man of values, morals and principles," said the Rev. David Costa, pastor of St. Mary's Church.

Costa said everyone can learn a lesson from Van De Giesen - "to be the best people we can be" while "seeking, striving to see our dreams fulfilled."

Among those mourning the loss of the young man at Friday's funeral were several dignitaries, including Gov. Deval Patrick, U.S. Sen. John Kerry and U.S. Rep. James McGovern.

Following the service, a procession brought Van De Giesen on one last tour of places in town that were special to him - from Mason Field, to his childhood home on Cranberry Road, to Martin School, to North Attleboro High School.

Students and strangers quietly lined the streets holding U.S. flags in Van De Giesen's honor. His hearse passed beneath another American flag raised by two North Attleboro Electric bucket trucks.

The procession continued onto Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where Van De Giesen was buried with full military honors.

A memorial fund has been set up to assist Van De Giesen's wife and children.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can can mail a check to the Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen Memorial Fund, c/o Bristol County Savings Bank, Attention Sandy Vandette, 96 Commonwealth Ave, North Attleboro, MA 02760.