A 33-year-old man who died after he was struck by an SUV as he crossed Madison Avenue in Morristown last week was a learning disability specialist at Fairleigh Dickinson University's College at Florham.

John Pirres, a hiker and published poet, worked at the school the past five years after graduating from the university, according to his obituary.

Pirres lived in Bridgewater most of his life until moving to Hamburg four years ago. He was a member of Church of the Redeemer in Morristown and volunteered at The Eric Johnson House in Morristown, part of New Jersey AIDS Services, his obituary says.

Funeral services were Wednesday at Church of the Redeemer.

Those who knew Pirres described him in tributes online as a selfless mentor, hard worker, a joy to be around, and a thoughtful and caring man with a gift for helping people.

Pirres was profiled by Inside FDU in 2010 and he told the publication being a student in FDU's Regional Center for College Students with Learning Disabilities helped him succeed.

College at Florham Provost Peter Woolley told NJ.com Pirres was sympathetic to students' challenges and helped them overcome any difficulties.

Pirres was struck near 65 Madison Ave. around 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Police identified the driver at the scene. No charges have been filed in the crash.