John Longiaru was a salesman of restored medical equipment, but he loved to escape into a world of fantasy. He loved "Lord of the Rings," and other stories of make-believe worlds.

He also enjoyed video games and hanging out with friends.

He was engaged to marry Melanie Fontaine.

A lifelong Johnston resident, Longiaru graduated in 1996 from Johnston High School and had attended several area colleges at various times.

Longiaru, 23, coordinated and marketed the medical equipment for Pawtucket-based PARI, and traveled around the state meeting clients. The company gathered donated items and sold them at reduced cost.