MIAMI -- Overcast skies blurred the sun as the family of a South Florida soldier killed in Iraq while giving toys and candy to children followed behind his casket Monday.

Family members stood with their eyes hidden behind dark glasses as Pfc. Marius Ferrero's casket was escorted into St. Raymond's Catholic Church for his funeral.

Once family and friends had filled the pews inside, the priest told the congregation, "For us Christians, death is not the end."

Ferrero, 23, of Miami, was killed last Sunday in Baqouba, Iraq, with two other Army soldiers from his Stryker brigade. The official notice from the Pentagon said an improvised explosive device detonated during a mounted patrol, but his family was told a suicide bomber attacked in a playground as the soldiers distributed toys and candy to children, and that three children also died.

His mother, Maribel Ferrero, learned of his death while she was shopping for her son's Christmas presents.

Staff Sgt. Aldo Gonzalez was an integral part of Ferrero's Army training at Fort Lewis and asked to carry his casket at Monday's funeral. Gonzalez said Ferrero "performed very well in his duties and was very courageous and served honorably."

Ferrero had enlisted in the Army about a year ago. The Coral Park High graduate planned on serving in the military for four years before attending college. His older brother, Manny, took comfort in knowing that he died without suffering.

Fernando Quintana attended the funeral without knowing anyone.

"I don't know the family, nor do I know him, but just to know that he fought for this country and fought for us, that's the important thing, and I'm here to pay my respects," Quintana told Local 10's Jacey Birch.

Ferrero was being laid to rest at Woodlawn Park North Cemetery and Mausoleum with full military honors.