New London — Suzy Gergen was a "brilliant human being" who had an "unwavering positivity." Rich Brown liked to tell people he was "residentially challenged" and was happiest the day he got a cane that he could wave at people. Joseph Wilson was 28, and loved his kids.

They were three of the people who died this year and were remembered by friends, family and volunteers Monday night at a memorial for those who had been homeless, or helped the homeless, in the New London area.

The event, which was sponsored this year by the St. Francis House and the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, brought together members of the New London community who lit candles, sang and shared memories of those who may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

They remembered people like Emmett Jarrett, an Episcopal priest who helped organize the New London Homeless Hospitality Center Inc. and died in 2010, and Anthony Sanquedolce, who was found dead last week near center’s building on State Pier Road.

One man, who said Sanquedolce was the father of his sister’s child, said he had just spoken with him days before his death.

“We’re all that close to it,” he said.

James Stidfole, a longtime volunteer at the New London Breakfasts program, said the memorial should serve as a challenge to end homelessness in New London.

“My idea is that New London Breakfasts is no longer necessary, and the Homeless Hospitality Center is no longer necessary,” he said.

The service serves as an important outlet for members of the homeless community who might not have another time to grieve for friends they have lost, said Len Raymond, an employee at the Homeless Hospitality Center and St. Francis who organized the event.

“It’s a witnessing of pain," Raymond said. “Most of the people in the street community don’t have a community life like the typical person. … This is a chance for their pain to get witnessed.”

Several people cried as they spoke about friends who had died.

That, Raymond said, is one measure of success.

“That means some of them were able to express emotions they hadn’t expressed,” he said. “This helps build community.”

m.shahanan@theday.com

Twitter: @martha_shan