OUR FOUNDER - JACKSON'S STORY
Not An Easy Fix’s originator, Jackson Rannells, first came up with a vision for a community healing & honoring event in Somerville NJ in 2018.
He and many of his good friends had lost numerous mutual friends within just a few years. With the help of his dad, he successfully created a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formed a professional Board and created a committee of loyal and talented friends setting the ball in motion.
An application was filled out to hold the event on Division Street in Somerville NJ in the fall of 2018, but then for a few reasons it was decided to switch plans to the summer months of 2019. The excitement was growing, however, Jackson
had his own personal struggle with addiction and the process had to be delayed as he sought
treatment. Then, when the opportunity arose again to resurrect the event, the plight of Covid
struck our world and, as we all know too well, many hopes and dreams had to be put on hold.
Jackson had several good years and experiences while in recovery, gaining new perspective through maturity as well as discovering the foundational strength he found in his Christian
faith walk. He deeply believed in the transformational power of Christ and openly shared his spiritual journey. He wanted to offer his story so that others could benefit and he truly wanted
to help others especially those younger than himself to steer them away from the temptation of experimenting with dangerous substances. He had the idea of conducting multi-media
Jackson grew up in Bridgewater NJ. He was an intelligent, creative, witty, passionate, caring and loyal friend. Those around him knew of his strong energy, convincing charm and fearless antics. He moved with his family in 2007 to Branchburg NJ, enrolling in Somerville High School. Unfortunately, soon thereafter, some poor choices launched his personal journey with addiction which started in his teen years and worsened in his 20’s after being prescribed an opioid medication for an injury. The epidemic had begun and it knew no boundaries regarding its targets.
assemblies in local middle and high schools to convey his urgent message.
Unfortunately, on February 18, 2021, a relapse involving fentanyl and xylazine poisoning took his life. His family and friends will never be the same, but in his name and in honor of his deceased friends and so many other loved ones lost in Somerset County NJ and beyond, Not An Easy Fix and its team is now coming together to make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities.
OUR TEAM
Jackson had nothing but love and loyalty for his family and amazing friends. To honor his legacy and to make a difference, they are now stepping up to hopefully help save lives
and change the direction of this societal scourge.
Committee Members
Board of Trustees
Jack Rannells - Attorney, JRannells Law PC/Baker & Rannells PA, Somerville
Rick St. Pierre - Proprietor, Verve Restaurant, Somerville
Dan LaMountain – Owner, LaMountain Marketing Communications LLC, Somerville
Fr. Ronald N. Pollock – Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Somerville
Patrick Mannion – Proprietor, Mannion's Pub & Restaurant, Somerville
James Watson - JDW Sports Management, Bridgewater (Ambassador)
Our Volunteers
We are proud to add the support of those individuals who have expressed interest in being involved with the projects and goals of Not An Easy Fix. Our mission and its success would not be as strong without them.
Janet Mary Pizzelli • Barbara Harvat Dugan • Brenda Petti Ryan • Christine Erhardt • Robyn & Tom Rosenthal
Linda Hart • Phyllis Kalmback • Bob Rannells • Kim Atenco • Jovana Giesler
Michael DeCanio • Jannette Gonzalez • Julie Tutunjian • Sarah Goldsworth Nemeth
Step up and join our great team of volunteers! To be a part, please contact us at info@notaneasyfix.org.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS
$1000-$3500
Cheryl Daveiga • Vanessa Remley • Melinda Walsh
Jack & Ellen Rannells • Patrick Mannion/Mannion's Pub
Barry & Bess Hopfel/Voltage Therapy Electric
Maryrose Memorial Foundation
$500-$999
Rick St. Pierre • Baker & Rannells PA • Fulton Bank
$300-$499
Dan LaMountain • Fr. Ron Pollock • James Watson •
Scott Friedly/Takeda Pharma • Linda Hart/Hair Gallery
$100-$299
Susan Antin • Fran & John Leroux • Mike Vecchia • RanD Pitts/Evolve • Christine Erhardt/Allstate • Robyn & Tom Rosenthal • Central Auto
$10-$99
Nick Donnadio • Ian Fealey • Max Ferreira • Phyllis Kalmback
Mike Kerwin • Theresa Matay • Gracie • Carolyn Cardwell
Kathleen Sloan
Thank you for your support!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARYROSE FEALEY
NOT AN EASY FIX was blessed to have had Maryrose as a member of its team and committee. She wanted to spread awareness about the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis and wanted to save lives through any means possible. She was one of our most active committee members bringing energy, support, creativity, and life experience to all of our programs and projects. One could call on her for help and always count on her to care. She often spoke at our events, was happily videotaped often, and always helped to promote and publicize our cause.
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Maryrose ran her own nonprofit 4theyoungerme and was a very talented visual artist. She will be deeply missed as we are all heartbroken by her passing and loved her very much. Rest peacefully Maryrose. Forever27.
MARYROSE'S OBITUARY:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF IAN BOCKUS
NOT AN EASY FIX has lost a long-time friend and faithful committee member. Our hearts and minds are heavy with the news and shock of Ian Bockus’s passing on 9/18/24. His big smile, his kind soul, his wit, his creativity, his loyalty, and his desire to make this world a better place…all these things about him will be missed…and we grieve along with his loving mom Phyllis.
The last time we spoke with Ian it was a wonderful positive conversation. He was telling us about how he was doing, his plans, his job, how he was getting a car soon…and how he was trying to help other friends do better. At the end, he said “it’s not just about only being friends anymore, it’s about being family”. We will support each other through this and never forget.
We love you Ian!
IAN's OBITUARY:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF JANET PIZZELLI
It is with heavy grieving hearts, but also with joy for having known her, that we & our Not An Easy Fix family share the peaceful passing of our beloved friend Janet Pizzelli on 12-25-25. Janet knew our son Jackson well as he and her son Ian were "brothers" and traveled far & wide together in better days and in times of struggle. From day one, she was an avid supporter of NAEF that Jackson founded in 2018...attending events, selling merch, encouraging her son Ian & daughter Maryrose's involvement, bringing friends on board, and so much more.
JANET'S OBITUARY:
We are eternally grateful for Janet's love & fortitude & faith in our efforts to change viewpoints & hearts surrounding the disease of addiction. She will forever be an NAEF warrior and the impact she had on so many will live on forever! Until that day when we meet again...we love you and will carry on❤️💜❤️ Jack & Ellen Rannells
A celebration of life service will be held 11AM on Friday, 1/16/26 at St. John's Episcopal, Somerville. Janet graciously requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to notaneasyfix.org - Donation button below.