Newark soldier killed Sunday in Iraq

Newark native Sgt. Jonathan Lootens, 25, died in Iraq Sunday, after the Humvee he was in hit a roadside bomb. Lootens joined the military in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The Department of Defense announced the death of Sgt. Lootens and 1st Lt. Josh Deese, 25, of North Carolina, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 15 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Kirkuk, Iraq, during combat operations.

Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Lootens had been in Iraq for two months, on his second tour of duty there. He was anticipating a 15-day furlough in November and was to spend time in the Phelps area with his father.

His mother, Debbie Qualtieri, said her son had been in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2004, where he served 'with distinction.' He won several medals, including the Army Commendation Medal. When he graduated from Boot Camp he was a Chemical Weapons Specialist. He became a Sergeant in April 2006.

During a phone call Tuesday, she said, 'This is a mother's worst nightmare. It is such an unbelievable shock. The Army had been a godsend for Jon. He loved the Army and planned to make a career of it.' In a recent letter to his Mom, he said: 'We are doing this to protect all of you at home and the people here.'

As he changed from a sometimes troubled teenager, he 'grew to be a considerate and kind young man. He had an awesome work ethic and people so admired him at Schofield Barracks,' said his mother, who visited him in Hawaii several times.

Andrea and Jon Lootens were raised here and attended several Newark schools.

He was born March 3, 1981 in Clifton Springs. He is survived by his parents - Robert Lootens of Phelps, Deborah Qualtieri of Norwalk, Connecticut, and his sister Andrea Ralyea, husband and child, who live in Victor.

Funeral arrangements will be made by the Cheney Funeral Home in Phelps. Sgt. Lootens will be buried with full military honors, following services at St. Francis Church in Phelps.

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