A memorial has been set for the Ponte Vedra High School graduate who died in a tragic plane crash in Washington D.C. late last month.
Melissa Jane Nicandri, 28, of Brooklyn, was one of 67 people who perished when a commercial jet collided with an Army helicopter on January 29.
Her parents, local residents Peter and Stacie Nicandri, announced that a service will be held in her memory at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach on February 13 at 11 a.m.
A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, Melissa’s family plans to create a scholarship in her name.
“Her family and friends will miss her terribly but will make sure that she is forever remembered,” they wrote in her obituary.
Melissa, who grew up an ardent Harry Potter fan and Disney World devotee, finished in the top ten of her class at Ponte Vedra upon graduating in 2014.
The lifelong high achiever was admitted to Vanderbilt University and later earned a master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from Johns Hopkins University.
At the time of her passing, Melissa worked at Moody’s Ratings and lived in New York City, where she enjoyed walks along the scenic Brooklyn Promenade and exploring Gotham’s varied food culture with her longtime boyfriend, Ben Shtuhl.
The couple had been living together at the time of the death.
Despite her relocation, Melissa maintained her allegiance to her Jacksonville Jaguars and stayed close to her devoted circle of childhood friends.
An avid traveler, she trekked widely through Europe and Central and South America.
“Melissa was smart, beautiful, funny, generous, and kind to everyone,” her obituary stated, noting that her parents still sometimes called her by her pet name—Pumpkin.
