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Jay Barnett, 17, the son of Virginia Macleay Epstein of Ferndale and Jessie Barnett III of Salisbury, died of neuroblastoma cancer June 15 at his home after a three-year illness.

Born in Annapolis and raised in Ferndale, Mr. Barnett attended schools in Anne Arundel County until 2002 when he was diagnosed at age 13 with his illness. A member of Boy Scout Troop 447, he was working diligently to obtain an Eagle Scout award at the time of his death, an ambition he had since he was age 7.

He was a member of the Maryland State Boychoir and toured with the group until he had to go to Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York for treatment. He was to have been presented the honorary Choir Master Award on the day of his death.

While under treatment, Mr. Barnett met the producer of the movie "Rent" and was invited to appear in the film. He also was a huge fan of the Star Wars movies and an avid reader. He had hoped to grow up to become a pediatric oncologist in addition to joining the military, his family said.

He was a member of St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Severna Park.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepfather, Jeff Epstein of West Virginia and Sylvia Barnett of Salisbury; a half brother, Brayden Barnett, and a half sister, Brianna Barnett, both of Salisbury; a stepbrother, Neil Epstein of Silver Spring; and his grandparents, Robert and Ruth Macleay of Severna Park and Judith Riley of Baltimore.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 475 Ritchie Highway. Services will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, 375 Benfield Road, Severna Park. Burial will be in St. Anne's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of New York, 405 E. 73rd St., New York, NY 10021, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021. Online condolences can be made to www.barrancofuneralhome.com