Amico Family Holds Vigil to Commemorate 5th Anniversary of Son’s Death

On Thursday evening, more than 50 Rye residents and public officials gathered at the Midland Avenue home of Jim and Maggie Amico to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of their son Jarrid, who was killed on April, 18, 2006 when he was hit by a car. 

Ten-year-old Jarrid was riding his bike near the intersection of Midland Avenue and Palisades Road, just a block away from the Amicos’ home, when an 82-year-old driver who wasn’t speeding struck and killed him. 

Since then, the Rye community has rallied around the Amico family. Thursday’s vigil was not only another way in which the community showed its support, but also a way for the Amicos to thank everyone who has helped them endure a parent’s worst nightmare. 

“It’s been a long five years. Every day is different than the other,” Jim Amico said. “We couldn’t have made it without any of you,” he told the crowd gathered in front of his home, each of them holding lit candles in memory of Jarrid. 

Amico shared memories of his son during the vigil, telling everyone about Jarrid’s # 28 football jersey (coincidentally the same number as his birthday, May 28), how particular Jarrid was about keeping his room clean and orderly, and how Jarrid would enjoy it when his dad picked him up from Midland School on his motorcycle.

Since Jarrid’s death, Jim Amico has become a pedestrian safety advocate and has lobbied for a stop sign at the intersection where his son was killed. In January 2010, when was injured after being hit by an SUV near the same intersection, Amico appeared before the City Council with Moreira’s mother, pleading with city officials to install a stop sign and other traffic safety measures.

Though the city has yet to install the stop sign, nearly every member of the City Council came to Thursday’s vigil to show support for the Amicos. 

Rye Mayor Doug French told the audience that the Amico’s tragedy has shown just how close-knit the community is.

“Five years, still you say the name Jarrid, and it causes each of us to pause and reflect on him, but also want to reach out and offer support to Jimmy and Maggie in whatever way we can,” French said. “Their loss is as great a loss as there is and has had a lasting effect on this community.”

In remembrance of Jarrid, the Amicos and several family members all wore T-shirts with Jarrid’s picture emblazoned on the front. On the back of Jim Amico’s shirt were some of the lyrics to “You Give a Little Love,” a song that Jarrid and his classmates performed during their 5th grade play.

“Give a little love. It all comes back to you. You know you’re gonna be remembered for the things you say and do,” Jim Amico read. “You give a little love and it all comes back to you. That was Jarrid.”