Hundreds of people gathered at a northern New Jersey church for the funeral of a Marine from Bergen County who was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan.

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Wednesday's service for Staff Sgt. Joseph D'Augustine of Waldwick was held at St. Luke's Church in Ho-Ho-Kus.

The 29-year-old died March 27 in the Helmand province, nearly two weeks before he was due to come home for his sister's wedding. D'Augustine graduated from Waldwick High School in 2001, where he wrestled and played football.

D'Augustine was assigned to an explosive ordnance disposal unit.

The funeral came one day after hundreds of residents in lined the streets of his home town as police escorted the hearse carrying his body.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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