
‘He had a million friends’
The Associated Press
Serge Kropov’s friends said the Marine helicopter mechanic was a good-hearted, fun-loving guy who enjoyed basketball and trick bike riding.
“He was just a very kind, giving, friendly, loving person,” said Lindamay Rodnite, who said her sons attended school with Kropov. “He had a million friends.”
Indeed, a Facebook page dedicated to Kropov was filled with dozens of tributes to the fallen Marine.
Kropov, 21, of Hawley, Pa., died Dec. 20 in a non-hostile incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. He attended Wallenpaupack Area High School in Hemlock Farms, Pa. His obituary said he planned to be a career military man.
Kropov was a native of Moscow who later moved to the U.S. with his parents, Igor and Allison Alevtina. He is also survived by a sister, Anna.
Rodnite’s son Jonathan remembered seeing...