Fallen Marine Remembered In Service

FITCHBURG, Mass. -- Family and friends gathered in Fitchburg Wednesday to honor a fallen Marine. Lance Cpl. Geofrey Cayer was killed last week in Iraq.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that many of the mourners knew Cayer as a classmate and friend. The 20-year-old graduated from Fitchburg High School in 2004, and joined the Marines a short time later.

"We can't thank the extended community here n Fitchburg and around the state enough for supporting the family," said family friend Christopher LeBlanc.

Current and retired Marines attended the funeral service. Gov. Mitt Romney also came to pay respects to the first serviceman to die from Fitchburg in the Iraq war.

"Unfortunately before this, Iraq was over there and now it has hit home in Fitchburg and it affects us," said the Rev. Tom Sickler, of St. Joseph Church.

Cayer was killed last week while on duty in Iraq. So far, the Marines have only said he died of a gunshot wound during a non-hostile event. Cayer's death remains under investigation.

The family friend and others described Cayer as quiet, but quick with a laugh.

"You always knew when Geofrey was around that there was a smile pending, it was coming and it was going to be great. We are going to remember that smile forever," LeBlanc said.

Cayer's mother is a teacher and his father is a former Marine. At the service, Cayer's brother, Chas, carried the Marine's dress hat, brother Alex gave the eulogy and sister Abby accepted condolences from the bishop.

Cayer will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.