In fitting memory, friends of Penn State student Christopher Raspanti met yesterday afternoon on the memorial of Raspanti's birthday to remember him by playing Wiffle ball, a sport that he loved.

Yesterday, Raspanti would have been 22. Raspanti, who was from Fairless Hills, died April 24, 2005, when the third floor of the house he lived in with four other roommates caught fire.

With a "Happy Chris Raspanti Day" sign leaning against a tree, friends of his, from both Penn State and his hometown, met to play Wiffle ball, relax and reminisce about their friend.

They gathered at 508 E. Beaver Ave., a house occupied by some of Raspanti's friends, next door to where he lived.

"We came out today to celebrate Chris's life and have some fun," Lauren McFadden (senior-public relations) said. "This was one of his favorite springtime activities. I would love to see his face right now; he would have loved this."

Dave Mays (senior-advertising), Raspanti's best friend from home, said of Raspanti, "The kid loved life."

Lyndsay Cherry (sophomore-sociology) said Raspanti played Wiffle ball every day he could.

"Today was his birthday," she said. "Instead of mourning the loss of Chris, we are celebrating him..."

Cherry added that Raspanti was an "unbelievable" person and a great friend.

"He was so generous and caring," she said. "He made sure that every day of his life was worthwhile."

McFadden characterized Raspanti as a "friendly and great guy."

"He was very loving," she said. "Right now, he is out here with us; he's hanging out with us and he's happy."

Although the day evoked some sad memories, friends said that overall, it was a good day, "just like Chris would have wanted."

"Today brought back a lot of memories, but we are happy with the turnout, and it was a great day," Mays said.

Several friends said they are close with Raspanti's family, who often comes to visit.

"His parents come up to visit, and we go to visit them," said Ian Mathieson (senior-English and mathematics).

"They are amazing people, and they raised an amazing kid," he said.

McFadden said that although most of his friends probably would not be in State College next year, they would always try to find a way to celebrate the memory of their friend on his birthday.

"Wherever we are next year, we will celebrate it," Mays said. "Our friends will all meet up and figure it out."