Pedestrian Killed in Morristown was Mentor, Poet

A pedestrian killed in a Morristown crosswalk volunteered with people with AIDS and learning disabilities.

John Pirres was crossing the street near 65 Madison Avenue around 7:30 p.m. when he was struck by a 2011 black Dodge Durango, according to a release sent by Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp's office.

Pirres, a resident of Hamburg, was transported to Morristown Medical Center and died there shortly after.

According to a story on NJ.com, Pirres had a learning disability and attended the Regional Center for College Students with Learning Disabilities before attending Fairleigh Dickinson University. He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology, and returned  the Regional Center in 2008 as a learning disabilities specialist.

Pirres also volunteered at the Eric Johnson House in Morristown, which services people with HIV and AIDS.

Anyone who witnessed the event is asked to contact Lt. Stephen Wilson of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6212 or Sgt. Tyrone Jackson of the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200. Calls will be kept confidential.