{"id":310939,"date":"2026-07-31T18:08:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/310939\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T18:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:08:15","slug":"funeral-held-for-staff-sgt-angel-rampersad-queens-soldier-killed-in-iranian-missile-attack-in-jordan-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/310939\/","title":{"rendered":"Funeral held for Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, Queens soldier killed in Iranian missile attack in Jordan"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK — Family, friends, fellow service members and members of the Ozone Park community gathered Friday to honor the life of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad<\/a>, the 28-year-old U.S. service member killed in an Iranian missile attack on an air base in Jordan.<\/p>\n

Funeral services were held at her church in Ozone Park, where loved ones came together to pay their final respects. The service began with hymns including How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace as mourners remembered Rampersad’s life and service.<\/p>\n

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other elected officials attended the funeral to honor the fallen soldier.<\/p>\n

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As the sun rose over Rockaway Boulevard Friday morning, a motorcade escorted Rampersad’s hearse to the church. Her casket, draped in the American flag, was carried inside as New York flags flew at half-staff under an order from Gov. Hochul.<\/p>\n

Rampersad was one of the U.S. service members killed in the missile attack and among 18 Americans who have died since the conflict began nearly five months ago.<\/p>\n

In the days leading up to her funeral, community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor Rampersad, remembering her as a courageous service member who dedicated her life to protecting others. Born in Trinidad, Rampersad later made New York her home.<\/p>\n

“Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America. That takes a lot of courage,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said during the vigil.<\/p>\n

Friends described Rampersad as selfless and one of the greatest people they had ever known. She has also been remembered as a defender of those who could not fight for themselves.<\/p>\n

Following the funeral, a procession traveled through Ozone Park, passing beneath four ceremonial FDNY ladder arches before continuing to Long Island National Cemetery, where Rampersad was laid to rest.<\/p>\n

Local leaders have also called for a stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard to be renamed in her honor, ensuring her legacy remains a permanent part of the community she called home.<\/p>\n

“My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Governor Hochul said. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”<\/p>\n

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