We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees of the passing of Ret. P.O. Norman Edwards on November 15th, at the age of 84 years. Norman was appointed to the Transit Police on April 1, 1965 and retired February 5, 1976.
Services took place on November 24th with burial in Calverton National Cemetery. His next of kin is his wife, Alta Nae.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Edwards family. May Norman Rest in Peace.
November 18, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. DET. HENRY 'HANK' ARANA
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. DET. HENRY “HANK” ARANA 11/20/1936 – 11/16/2020
Lou was told by Juan that Hank had various illnesses. Lifetime Member Ret. Det. Henry 'Hank' Arana was appointed to the NYCTPD 11/4/1966 and retired 11/14/1986. The above photo was taken at a Transit Police Florida Reunion. Hank had a son, Richie, who was also on the Job and who I worked with in CWPS.
We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Abraham Martin at the age of 83 years from a massive stroke. Abraham was appointed to the Transit Police on February 15, 1966 and retired January 31,1987.
Funeral details:
Funeral services on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Brown & Son Funeral Home 5901 West Jim Bilton Boulevard, St. George, SC 29477 (843-563-4332).
Public viewing from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. All are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.
In place of flowers, the family asks all monetary contributions to the WMHS Alumni Community Alliance, P.O. Box 62, St. George, SC 29477.
We, the Martin family, appreciate your caring and consideration during our time of grief and sadness.
Condolences may be sent to his sister Edith Oldham at 212 Chessington Circle, Summerville SC 29485 and please direct all inquiries to Edith Oldham, Email - mrsweo3@aol.com, or 1-843-860-3141
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Martin family. May he Rest in Peace..
November 1, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. STANLEY McDONALD
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. STANLEY MCDONALD 10/191928 – 10/31/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees fo the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. Sgt. Stanley McDonald, on October 31st, at the age of 92 years. Stan was appointed to the Transit Police on May 16, 1956 and retired October 30, 1975.
I spoke with Stanley’s daughter Debbie last evening. She had informed me that Stanley will be cremated and a Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held at a later date for Stanley and his wife Olive who passed about a month ago. I will request that the family notify me of the date. May Stanley “Rest in Peace with his beloved Olive.”
Condolences can be sent to the McDonald family at 3615 Miriam Dr. Titusville FL 32796.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the McDonald family. May Stan and Olive Rest in Peace.
October 27, 2020 RET. P.O. JOSEPH PIPITONE (late notice)
We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees of the passing of Ret. P.O. Joseph Pipitone on October 15th, 2020, at athe age of 52 years. His next of kin is his son, Joseph.
Joe was appointed to the Transit Police on August 2, 1993 and retired December 18, 2003.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Pipitone family. May Joseph rest in Peace.
October 23, 2020 RET. P.O. MICHAEL SULLIVAN and UPDATE FOR RET. P.O. DESMOND ROBINSON
This obituary information was received from Bobby Ganley. Michael Sullivan was found dead this Thursday in an apartment he shared with 2 other people. NYPD is attempting to make notification to his family. Michael was appointed to NYCTPD 11/4/1966 and retired 6/1/1977. If you knew Michael and would know how to get in contact with his next of kin or any family members, please contact Dep. Police Commissioner Robert Ganley at bob.ganley@nypd.org
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Sullivan family. May Michael Rest in Peace.
UPDATE ON SERVICES FOR RET. P.O. DESMOND ROBINSON
We will be holding the remembrance service for Desmond Robinson “Crow” on Saturday October 24th, 2020 at 10am (arrive at 10am for parking and to enter the church, service starts at approximately 1030). The location will be the Church on the Rock located at 2200 N State St, Bunnell, FL 32110. After the service approximately at 12noon, we will head to the Moose lodge located at 2535 north state street, Palm Coast, FL 32110 for lunch. While at the Moose Lodge we will be able to share memories of our friend / brother and how much he touched so many people’s lives. For those who have photos or videos they want or can provide to me so we can put together a video to play, please send them to my email Garrett.Decker@exprealty.com if you have any questions please call me at (386)449-9248.
Please let me know if you are going to make it so we can plan for enough food at lunch.
Thank you Bobby Wheeler
October 19, 2020 WIFE OF LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. VINCENT MARINO (late notice)
MARY MARINO
Vinnie sent in a donation and along with it was a letter in which he told us that Mary, his wife of 63 years, had passed away on September 16th. Mary, Vinnie and I lived in the same neighborhood in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, only a block away from each other. Mary's father was the neighborhood shoe maker and though Vinny is a bit older than myself, years passed until we met again in Company 5 of the December, 1965 Academy class . We parted company after being assigned to different commands but met again in the late '70s in District 34 where we worked together until retirement.
Our deepest condolences to Vinnie and the Marino family. May Mary Rest in Peace.
October 17, 2020 RET. P.O. DESMOND ROBINSON & P.O. ROBERT PROVENZANO (late notice)
Desmond expired from a heart attack on Thursday morning Oct 15, 2020 at the Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona, Desmond while out on his motorcycle in the early morning hours, had been in a single vehicle motorcycle accident in Palm Coast. Responding Officers and EMT’s had Desmond airlifted to the Daytona trauma center conscious and alert but complaining of chest pains. At the Hospital Desmond suffered a heart attack and was resuscitated successfully 5 times before all life saving measures failed. Divorced, Desmond is survived by his son Tim (30) Ft Lauderdale, daughters Bianca (21) Los Angeles and Reina(16) Palm Coast. Details of his memorial services will be forwarded once finalized. Desmond’s interment will be in New York.
LATE OBITUARY RET. P.O. ROBERT “BOBBY” PROVENZANO 6/13/1935 – 10-9-2020
Received this information from Bobby’s wife. Unfortunately, she didn’t leave her name or contact information
It is with great sadness to report my Husband Robert A. Provenzano (District 1) passed away on the 9th of October, 2020. Bobby put up a good fight until he no longer could endure the pain of his illnesses. Bob was 85 years old. He loved the NYCTPD. Bob was appointed to the Transit Police on June 1, 1966 and retired July 23, 1985.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Robinson and Provenzano families. May their deceased loved ones Rest in Peace.
Lou received the following email from Bobby's daughter
Dear Mr. Hollander,
I wanted to write to inform you of my father’s passing. He died on Friday, October 9th, at approximately 3:10 pm at INOVA Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, VA. My name is Janine; I am his youngest daughter.
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the beginning of 2017. He had been managing Parkinson’s for the past several years, mostly with success. Last November 2019, I amazingly convinced my parents to move from South Florida to Northern Virginia so that we could be closer to one another, most especially so that my husband & I could be of greater assistance to them in their golden years.
Since the move, my dad required minor assistance from in-home health services/caregivers. But since June, he started to decline more noticeably after each passing month. He fell while getting a cup of coffee at 4:30 am in late May and after the ER visit, I took him to his primary physician as a follow-up. Thankfully nothing was broken but we did some blood work with the primary and it revealed high calcium and low kidney function, among other things. On June 2 of this year, he began what turned into a revolving door of visits to the ER/ hospital/rehab. The unfortunate part of this first hospital stay was that, due to Covid, I was not able to be with my father in the hospital as visiting was prohibited. I did manage to get him home for his 85th birthday on June 13, but several days later he went to the hospital with another issue (Upper GI/internal bleeding). After that hospital stay, he then went to rehab at the end of June/early July. We got him back home after that rehab stint and he did good for several weeks.
Then he landed back in the hospital in August with another bout of high calcium in the blood. Thankfully, this time, visiting hours at the hospital were on a limited basis and I was there every day to be with him and advocate for him. A major faux pas this time was that they did not get him his Parkinson’s medication in a timely manner at the start of this hospital stay, and he lost his ability to swallow. I had to butt heads with the doctors and was finally able to get him a PEG tube after a week so that he could get his medication and basic nutrition. What a mess. Anyhow, that was successful and although it took a while, they were able to get the high calcium under control, get him talking/eating again, and sent him home. However, during this third hospital stay, his lymph nodes were quite noticeable and they did not address it. I went to bat for dad on that issue but we agreed to follow-up on an outpatient basis. He just wanted to go home.
And he did go home for another couple of weeks, but then his fever spiked again. I made the decision to send him to the hospital in early September, thinking it was the calcium. Nope! Dad had aspiration pneumonia, and this time I was able to get the oncologist to do an inguinal (lymph node) biopsy. With the pneumonia treated, we said OK to another (shorter) rehab facility stay in mid/late September so that he could regain some strength (no visitors allowed at rehab, unfortunately, but we did do FaceTime and “window” visits). During this second rehab stay, we got the biopsy results & found out that he had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We only got the diagnosis on September 29th and the doctor was setting-up his chemotherapy regimen. Little did we know that the Parkinson’s was a distant second to what had now taken over.
We were on our way to see dad on October 5 during another window visit at the rehab facility when the rehab called me to say that they transferred him to the closest hospital; he had a high fever that wasn’t controllable. I got to the ER not long after he arrived to discover that he was having trouble breathing and was coughing up blood. Thankfully I was able to visit him every day that he was at the hospital. Unfortunately, this time was different from all the previous hospital visits, as it was the first time I noticed that he was now truly struggling and beginning to suffer. Come to find out that now dad picked-up Klebsiella pneumoniae. They gave him the appropriate heavy-hitting antibiotics, but the bacteria wouldn’t respond to the treatment.
He couldn’t talk to me with his voice but he could communicate with his eyes and his face. Each day I went to visit, he got worse. On the day he died, I had a strange feeling in my gut and told my mother to come with me to see him. I was right. It’s like he waited for us, for her. Hisblood pressure was extremely low despite them being able to get the fever under control. He was so fragile that they strongly urged me to place him immediately under in-patient hospice care in another ward at the hospital; they didn’t want to chance a transport. So I called my sister in Colorado and my brother in Texas, and they said their goodbyes; my mother stepped out of the room to use the restroom, and as I was washing his face with a warm cloth and reminiscing about a trip we took during the summer before we moved to FL, he took his final breaths as I was holding him. He didn’t want to go to hospice and although the infection overtook him, he fought to the very end. I am so very fortunate to have been the one there with him, and to have cared for him this past year.
I apologize for the lengthy story, but I wanted to give my dad’s struggle the respect it deserved, and to extend the respect of a meaningful and substantive account of his fight to you as one of his brothers.
He always told me that being a Transit Policeman was the most dangerous and most fun time he has ever had in his life, and he held sacred the bond between him & his brothers and sisters. He was modest, so he didn’t talk much of what he did, his honors or awards. I wish I knew more. We love hearing stories about him and his policing days. More proud a daughter could not be!
Please feel free to share this communication with the rest of the group.
May God bless you and all of the NYCTPD/NYPD brothers and sisters.
Sincerely,
Janine O. Provenzano (Bobby’s daughter)
P.S. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk more or have any questions.
October 1, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. CALVIN 'JOHN' MESSANA (late notice)
We received the following information from Linda Arcati and John's daughter, Michelle Pisano.
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. CALVIN 'JOHN' MESSANA 8/17/1944 - 10/03/2020
We regret to inform our members of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Calvin 'John' Messana on October 3rd, at the age of 76 years. John had been suffering from COPD and his health had rapidly declined the past several months. John was appointed to the Transit Police on May 8, 1965 and retired on July 4, 1986. He had been assigned to the District 34 Anti-Crime Unit.
Funeral services were privately held by the family.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Michelle and the Messana family. May John Rest in Peace.
RET. P.O. LOUIS ALLOGIAMENTO 10/30/1933 – 10/5/2020
I am extremely saddened to inform you that Retired Detective Louis Alligiamento passed away this day, Monday October 5, 2020. Louie was proceeded by his wife, Willie, who passed away on 10-14-2018. They were married for more than 67 years. Louie was such a special person with a wit second to none.
He was appointed to the NYC Transit Police on 08-02-1965 and retired on 06-17-1994
In 1990, Louie became the driver for the Chief of the NYC Transit Police, William J. Bratton, who later became NYC Police Commissioner. Their friendship lasted all these years and every time I spoke to the former Police Commissioner he would always ask for Louie and this past Easter Bratton called him and they had a wonderful conversation.
Louie is survived by his daughters Susan & Cheryl, grandchildren Justine, Danielle, T.J, Matthew, Jake and 4 great grandchildren.
God Bless you Lou. Your family and friends will miss you and your unsurpassed repartee, but you will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences to the entire family and may Louie Rest In Peace.
Funeral arrangements took place on October 8th
We also want to thank Vinnie Servedio for contactting us very soon after Louie passed away. Lou's next door neighbor, Ed Keevan, Ret, NYPD Detective, and Security Dept. at St. Francis Hospital, contacted Vinnie about the sad news.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Allogiamento family. May Lou Rest in Peace.
October 4, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. ANGELO BALZANO
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. ANGELO BALZANO 11/17/1940 – 10/2/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees of the passing of Lifetime Member, Ret. P.O. Angelo Balzano, on October 2nd, at the age of 79 years. Angelo was appointed to NYCTPD 11/4/66 and retired 3/25/85 . The above photo was taken at the 2003 Florida Reunion.
From the family: On this day Retired Police Officer Angelo Balzano passed away peacefully in his sleep. His body will be cremated but his soul will be with His Lord and Savior. Services will be held on either Tues or Wed Oct 6 or 7th at Hagerty and Scalia F.H. 3377 U.S.9 Old Bridge N J. Telephone#732 679 4422 Please call to confirm.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Balzano family. May Angelo “Rest in Peace.”
We regret to inform our fellow retirees of the passing of Ret. PO Christopher Gribbon on September 22nd at the age of 58 years. Christopher was appointed to the Transit Police on January 6, 1984 and retired January 15, 2004. He worked in D/30, Court Unit, D/32, D/34 and retired out of Transit Borough.
A Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, October 1st.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Gribbon family. May Christopher Rest in Peace.
September 26, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. FRANK ARCATI
We received this sad news today from Frank's wife, Linda
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. FRANK ARCATI 11/11/1938 - 09/25/2020
We deeply regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Frank Arcati on September 25th, at the age of 81 years. Frank was appointed to the Transit Police on June 21, 1965 and retired October 29, 1985. He worked in District 34 most of his career, finishing up in D/34 Anti-Crime Unit. Frank and I worked together for many years at Stillwell Ave. and had many exciting adventures together. He had spoken many times of coming back East to visit friends and get together. He will be missed.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Linda, by mail at 342 Benevente Drive, Oceanside CA 92057-8407 or email at larcati1851@att.net
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Linda and the Arcati family. May Frank Rest in Peace.
September 21, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. DET. FRANK BIANCO and THE SON OF RET. P.O. TOM GILLESPIE
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. DET. FRANK BIANCO 12/30/1942 – 9/17/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow retirees of the passing of Lifetime Member, Ret. Det. Frank Bianco, on September 17th at the age of 77 years. Frank was appointed to the NYCTPD on May 3, 1965 and retired October 6, 1990.
Services were held on September 24th. Frank was cremated by the Neptune Society.
The NYPD Broward 10-13 Club Uniform Honor Guard was present along with their marked RMP
I have been informed by Tom that his son Kevin passed away this past Thursday in care of Hospice in Florida after a long illness. Tom informs me that Kevin was cremated and a church service will be held in Brooklyn at a later date. Condolences can be sent to Tom at tomg2217@verizon.net
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Bianco and Gillespie families. May their departed loved ones Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow retirees of the passing of Ret. P.O. Henry B. Gallop, Jr. on September 13th, 2020, at the age of 81 years. Henry was appointed to the Transit Police on May 3, 1965 and retired November 4, 1985. He was last assigned to District 12.
Services were held on September 24th
Next of kin: his daughter, Odetta Gallop
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Gallop family. May Henry Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow retirees of the passing of Ret. Det. Curtis Vincent on August 29th, 2020, at the age of 80 years. Curtis was appointed to the Transit Police on July 29, 1968 and retired September 30, 1995. He was last assigned to the Transit Authority Liason Unit.
Funeral services had already been held.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Vincent family. May Curtis Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Donald Humphrey on September 7th, 2020, at the age of 83 years. He battled lung cancer but the last 3 months took its toll. We do not have any information on his appointment date (possibly 1964-65) but he retired August 12, 1985.
He is survived by 5 children.
Condolences can be sent to his daughter Robin Evens at 845 Center Dr. Baldwin N.Y. 11570
Services took place on September 10th
I worked with Donald in the O/U back in the late '60s. As a rookie, I received a lot of good advice from him. May he Rest in Peace. - Tony
September 8, 2020 RET. SGT. MARK SILEY and RET. P.O. MIGUEL JUSINO
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of two former Transit Police officers.
RET. SGT. MARK SILEY 12/16/1953 - 8/28/2020
Ret. Sgt. Mark Siley, formerly assigned to Narcotics Boro Manhattan North, passed away on August 28th, 2020 at the age of 66 years. Mark was appointed to the Transit Police on July 18, 1984 and retired from NYPD (date incorrectly given by NYPD).
Services took placeon September 9th.
RET. P.O. MIGUEL JUSINO
4/8/1958 – 9/2/2020
Ret. P.O. Miguel Jusino, formerly assigned to Transit Bureau District 12, passed away on September 2nd at the age of 62 years. Miguel was appointed to the Transit Police on July 18, 1984 and retired from NYPD on July 1, 2002.
No services information issued. His next of kin is his wife, Maritza.
Our deepest condolences to the Siley and Jusino families. May the deceased Rest in Peace.
August 20, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. REV. JOHN DeMEIS
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. REV. JOHN DE MEIS 6/16/1930 TO 8/19/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. PO Rev. John DeMeis on August 19th at the age of 90 years. John was a deacon in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Staten Island and was also known as Rev. John DeMeis and "John The Cop" during his assignments to Districts 5, 35, and finally 34 where he retired from. John was appointed to the Transit Police on 12/23/1961 and retired 3/7/1982.
He was, for many years, a chaplain in the Retirees Association until health issues forced him to retire as chaplain.
Services were held on August 23rd and 24th on Staten Island.
John leaves his wife, Rita, and their children.
An old story of John, while assigned to the Stillwell Ave. station post, was when he asked a Mounted Officer from the 60th Pct. for a ride on his horse. John got on and the horse started galloping away, much to John's shock. He will be missed and may he Rest in Peace.
John was the sole member of the NYC Transit Police Mounted Unit
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Rita and the DeMeis family. May John Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. John "The Bird" Lewin on August 9th at the age of 71 years. John was appointed to NYCTPD 5/20/1974 and retired 9/10/1991.
Services took place on August 14th in South Glen Falls, NY
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. Det. Nicholas Calabrese on March 7th, 2020 at the age of 93 years. Nicholas was appointed to the Transit Police on January 26, 1953 and retired July 17, 1974.
Services were held on August 11th, followed by interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne NY.
His next of kin is his niece, Kathleen Greenwood.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Calabrese families. May Nicholas Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Bobby Kerr on July 28th at the age of 81 years. Bobby was appointed to the Transit Police on 6/21/66 and retired 11/18/85. He worked in Dist. 34 along with Frank Crisa and Tony Lomanto.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Kerr family. May Bobby “ Rest in Peace.”
August 3, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JAMES "JIM" MEYER
We received this sad news from Jim's son, James, Jr. and daughter Danielle.
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JAMES "JIM" MEYER 6/10/1939 - 7/24/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of our Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. James Meyer on July 24th, at the age of 81 years. Jim had been suffering from Parkinson's for the past few years and during his recent stay at a rehab facility, he requested that he be discharged and go home to his family where he passed. Jim was appointed to the Transit Police on 11/10/1967 and retired 10/3/1996.
Jim was a fixture and a "legend" in the Operations Unit where he mostly worked on the Assignment Desk and where I first met him in 1966 when I went on R/D. In later years after we were both retired, Jim and I worked at St. Francis Hospital with several other Transit retirees.
Services will be held in North Carolina where he and his wife, Margaret, moved to from Long Island back in the early 2000's. Jim always had a smile and a joke and was a great person to work with.
Our deepest condolences to his wife, Margaret, and the Meyer family. May Jimmy Rest in Peace.
July 29, 2020 RET. P.O. ARTHUR MARROW
From Ret. Lt. Calvin F. Glass nivl225vgm@aol.com as received from Ret. PO John F. Brown
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers that Ret. P.O. Arthur Marrow passed away on Saturday morning, July 25, 2020 in Scotland Neck, NC. Arthur was in one of the classes of 1965. He will be cremated. No further information at this time. Please keep the Marrow family in your prayers. Arthur was not a member of this Associatoin and we don;t know his appointment or retirement dates. It was reported that Arthur was an RMP Operator in District 33 for some time.
Our deepest condolences to the Marrow family. May Arthur Rest in Peace. The photo above was taken at a family affair and the lady was a close personal friend.
RET. P.O. RICHARD “RICHEY” ANDRESEN 6/24/1942 – 7/24/2020
I am saddened to inform you of the passing of Ret. P.O. Richie Andresen at 9:30 AM today (July 24th). He lost his tuff battle to cancer. Thanks to Eddie Torres, we followed him through his whole fight. Richie was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. He and his wife Darleen attended all of the Transit Police Florida Reunions. I will definitely miss seeing them both at future reunions. I was told he loved racing cars. Condolences can be sent to his wife Darleen at Darleen.andresen@gmail.com. I have also been told that Richie will be cremated and interned in Calvary Cemetery in NY with his 2 brothers and parents. There will be a Celebration of Life at a future date.
Richie was appointed to NYCTPD 3/23/70 and retired in 1983. May Richie “Rest in Peace”
We thank Lou and Eddie Torres for keeping us up to date on Richie's progress during his fight with cancer. It is very sad that after so long a struggle, he succumbed to the disease. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Darleen and the Andresen family. May Richie Rest in Peace.
July 23, 2020 RET. P.O. JAMES ARMSTRONG
We received the following sad news from Ret. Sgt. Bob Ruggiero ejrrjr956@aol.com
Update from Lou Hollander from Jim's son, James Armstrong, Jr :
RET. P.O. JAMES ARMSTRONG 3/10/ 1942 - JULY 7, 2020
Bobby called yesterday after his wife saw an entry in Facebook posted by Jimmy's daughter, Jacqueline, that her father, Ret. P.O. James Armstrong passed away on July 17th, after a brief illness. I spoke to Jacqueline yesterday and offered our condolences. She told me that she will forward any information to us on his Transit service when she searches his records at which time we will update this posting. Lou Hollander was also informed of this and we feel Lou has more information available.
Jim was appointed to the Transit Police on July 29, 1968 and retired March 3, 1981
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Armstrong family May James Rest in Peace.
July 16, 2020 SERVICES UPDATE FOR RET. P.O. SING STANLEY BAILEY and SISTER OF RET. P.O. JOHN GALIZIA
SISTER OF RET. P.O. JOHN GALIZIA
Lou I'm sad to tell you my sister, MaryAnn Van Hoesen formerly of Bay Terrace, Staten Island, now Hawley, PA, passed earlier on 7/12/20. MaryAnn was just 75 in June and suffered a massive heart attack. I'm sure wake and funeral will be in Staten Island. Thanks, John
Condolences can be made to John at pdblues@ptd.net . May MaryAnn “Rest in Peace”
July 14, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. FRANCIS WEIS (late notice)
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. FRANCIS WEIS 6/9/1933 – 6/30/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Francis Weis on June 30th 2020, at the age of 87 years.
Lou had received the following message:
Dear Louis, With a heavy heart I have to inform you of the passing of my husband, Francis J. Weis, Jr, on June 30th 2020. He joined the Transit Police Department on October 7th 1968 and retired from the Communications Unit on January 11th 1986. Sincerely Dorothy Weis
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. SING STANLEY BAILEY 4/28/1939 - 7/9/2020
I am deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. Police Officer Stanley Bailey, today, July 9th, after a short illness, at the age of 81 years. Stan was appointed to the Transit Police Department on November 1, 1966 and retired on November 1, 1986. Stan worked mainly in District 33.
Stan was known for his Powerlifting as he placed 4th in the Olympic Games in Germany in 1972. He was undefeated in the New York State Police Olympics Powerlifting competition. He was a member of the New York City Retired Transit Police Officer's Association Sports Hall of Fame. Stan was a good cop and a real nice person who always wanted to help people.
The photo above was taken at the Association's Sports Hall of Fame Awards night in June, 2018
RET. FORMER TPD CHIEF GEORGE LATIMER 3/10-1929 - 7/4/2020
With a heavy heart we report the passing of Ret. Former Chief of the Transit Police Department George Latimer on July 4th. George was 91 yrs. of age.
Chief Latimer was also the father of Ret. Sgt. Laurence Latimer. Laurence states that with the COVID guidelines, there will be no viewing but a memorial will be set for a later date.
Laurence sent this message out to Lou Hollander:
Just wanted to let you know that my Father's final tour with the NYCTPD ended today, July 4th, at 1453hrs. He took a fall yesterday at his assisted living apartment and was sent to the hospital. They had to put him on a ventilator and his organs started shutting down. He had told all of us that he didn't want to go out like that. So after my brother from Pennsylvania and I got to the hospital the ventilator was removed and he passed away at 1453hrs surrounded by his three sons, all retired PO's. My brother George Jr was taking care of him in Palm Coast. Due to COVID-19 issues, there will be no viewing or funeral. We will try to hold a Memorial
His sons George Jr. can be contacted at 1717 Boston Lane, Palm Coast FL 33137, e-mail jydpapd@gmail.com and Laurence at sgt562@yahoo.com
Chief Latimer was appointed to the Transit Police on September 15, 1955 and retired September 12, 1993.
The above photo was taken in 2014 at the dedication of the George & Frances Latimer Lecture Hall at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Campus.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Latimer families. May George Rest in Peace.
July 1, 2020 RET. LT. STEPHEN DI RIENZO and ACTIVE P.O. JAMES HUGHES
RET. LT. STEPHEN “STEVE” DI RIENZO 8/12/50 – 6/30/2020
Hello Louie, I am deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of (Ret. Lt.) Steve DiRienzo, today, June 30, 2020, after a short illness. Steve was 69 years old. He was appointed to the Transit Police Department in October of 1973. He retired on October 22, 1995 as a Lieutenant from the Vandals Squad. Steve also worked in Districts 4 and 1. At this time, there is no funeral information available. I will forward the information as soon as I receive it. May he Rest In Peace!
I had the pleasure of knowing Steve while I was assigned to Dist. 4 in CWPS. I had seen him often at the NY Reunion at Antun’s. The above photo was taken at the 2016 NY Reunion. He was a very nice and pleasant guy that was well liked by all. May he “Rest in Peace” - Lou
ACTIVE P.O. JAMES HUGHES 5/9/1961 – 6/27/2020
Lou Hollander received this obituary information from Eddie Kaercher sgt4187@hotmail.com
Alan said he received it from Dena Share, not sure if it is his wife or daughter. I know Howard was an avid Police shield collector and was living in Clemmons NC. He had been ill for quite a while. He was appointed to NYCTPD 5/3/65 and retired 6/5/82. May Howard “Rest in Peace”
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Share family. May Howard Rest in Peace.
June 7, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. ROBERT "BOB" WILKINSON and HIS WIFE ANN
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. ROBERT "BOB" WILKINSON 5/21/1934 - 6/7/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. Sgt. Robert "Bob" Wilkinson on Sunday, June 7th, at the age of 86 years. Bob was appointed to the Transit Police on May 19, 1959 and retired May 11, 1976. His wife, Ann, passed away the previous day, June 6th.
From Charles:
With deep sadness we inform all of the passing of Retired Sgt. Robert (Bob) Wilkinson and his wife Ann Wilkinson. We are informed by his daughter that Ann died of a heart attack late Saturday followed by Bob's death this morning. We have no further information at this time. We will inform you when more information becomes available. Stay safe. Charles
UDATE INFORMATION: received from Lou Hollander:
Services for Robert were held on June 17th and for his wife, Ann, services were held on June 18th. Following her service, Ann's body was cremated and laid to rest along side of her husband.
The family has honored Bob's request to be cremated without viewing. His services will be in the form of a memorial.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Wilkinson family. May Ann and Robert Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Edward Cegar, on May 22, 2020, at the age of 74 years. Edward was appointed to the Transit Police on May 7, 1968 and retired August 23, 1988.
From Lou: Eddie worked in District 3 and I got to know him pretty well while I was assigned to District 3 in the newly created CWPS Task force. He was a nice guy, always smiling. He lived in Spring Hill Florida with his wife and children. We got together once at my house shortly after I moved here. He changed and he seemed like he turned into a loner. Too bad. May he “Rest in Peace."
Services were held in Florida. His next of kin is his wife, Maureen.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Cegar family. May Edward Rest in Peace.
June 2, 2020 THANK YOU FROM JERRY McCARTHY'S DAUGHTER
To all my friends: Thank you for your cards, gifts, phone calls and/or messages. I heard/saw/received each one.... and each one brought me comfort. My dad’s wake will be at John Day Funeral Home- Red Bank, NJ on Tuesday, June 2 from 9am to 10am. Unfortunately, only immediate family will be allowed to attend. We will then have a procession to Resurrection Cemetery- SI NY and a burial for him at 11am. Unfortunately, only immediate family will be allowed inside the cemetery as well. However, you are more than welcome to drive by or stand outside with the NYPD who will be there (at 11am) paying tribute to him. Thank you again for your support and kindness during this difficult time. It means a lot. Love, Arleen
Note from Don Avenoso. Thanks for all your thoughts, kind words and prays. The transit family has been outstanding over the years. Thank you!
May 31, 2020 RET. DET. RICHARD "RICHIE" COMMESSO (delayed posting)
From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.netI was informed of Richie’s passing on the day he passed from Mike Fanning. I was advised by Mike not to publish his passing due to the fact his wife also had the virus and was on a ventilator and they didn’t want her to learn of Richie’s passing because they feared she would give up. Richie was appointed to NYCTPD 12/1/1965 and retired 2/20/1987. Information below was received from John Briganti. May Richie “Rest in Peace
RET. DET RICHARD “RICHIE” COMMESSO 6/23/1943 – 4/30/2020
From John Briganti: It is with regret and great sadness to inform you of the passing of Ret. Det. Richard Commesso, President of our Verrazano 10-13 Association and dear friend, on the morning of Friday, April 30. Richie was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
We extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to his loving wife Irene, his daughters Sue and Debbie and the entire Commesso family. May He Rest In Peace
Richie’s wife, Irene, was hospitalized for the Covid-19 virus shortly before his passing. As per request of the family, for personal reasons, we were asked not to make any announcement of his passing until she was released. We hope you will understand.
A private service for family members was held on Friday, June 5th at Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, 10306.
Thank You
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Commesso family. May Richie Rest in Peace.
Richie and I had a pure chance encounter back in 2013 when I was on vacation in Yellowstone Park with my daughter and her family. Waiting in line at the dining room of the Old Faithful Inn, I turned my head and who do I see but Richie walking over to the dining hall with his wife. He was wearing his Verrazzano 10-13 shirt and I was wearing my Transit FOP 317 Lodge shirt. Talk about a small world, indeed! - Tony
May 25, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. JOHN G. "JERRY" McCARTHY and RET. P.O. ANTHONY "TONY" CAVELLO
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. JOHN “JERRY” McCARTHY 11/22/1938 – 5/21/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. Lt. John G. "Jerry" McCarthy, on May 21st, at the age of 81 years.
Please click of the Funeral Home web page link below to view a beautiful tribute to a great guy. Condolences can also be left. Jerry was appointed NYCTPD 5/3/65 and retired from NYPD on August 22, 1996.
From Al Vulpis Hi Louis, I read in the Asbury Park Press Obits of the passing of Lt. John "Jerry" McCarthy on May 21, 2020 at Riverview Hospital, Red Bank, N.J.. I worked with him for a number of years, and he was a really fine officer and friend. The family stated that private services will be held for the immediate family only due to the virus, but a memorial will be held be held when the family is allowed to have one. Thank you for all you do in keeping us in touch, and stay safe!!! Al Vulpis
Lou received this obituary information from Hugh Lennon eps805@msn.com
RET. P.O. ANTHONY "TONY” CAVELLO 10/27/1939 – 5/22/1979
I got a call from Tony Cavello’s wife, Ginger, that Tony passed away yesterday, May 21st. I worked with Tony in the Stakeout Unit. He was living in Ohio and had health problems over the last several years. For anyone wishing to offer condolences to is wife Ginger at , 710 Bedford Road SE Brookfield, Ohio 44403-9776 Phone number 330 398 7386
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the McCarthy & Cavello families. May the deceased Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Frank Gagliano, on May 13th, at the age of 54 years. Frank was appointed to the Transit Police on July 8, 1985 and retired on July 23, 2005. He was last assigned to Dist. 34.
Funeral services took place on May 29th at The Scalia Funeral Home, 28 Eltingville Blvd., Staten Island NY His next of kin is his father, Philip Gagliano.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Gagliano family. May Frank “Rest in Peace”
May 19, 2020 RET. P.O. CLIFFORD BUCKLEY (late notice) and RET. LT. RICHARD BAGGS (updated)
Retired P.O. Clifford Buckley passed away on April 20th, at the age of 76 years while a patient in Weill Cornell Hospital of sepsis, pneumonia, Covid-19 related. He was on a ventilator for almost three weeks.
His assignments were District 3 until a Line of Duty injury assigned him to the Restricted Duty Unit at Jay St. Clifford was appointed to NYCTPD 2/20/67 and he was forced to retire (LOD) on 8/9/78 and worked in hospitals for many years.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife Mary and his three children, Daniel, Marie and Deborah, his sister Jacqueline and his seven grandchildren who were the ' joy of his life'. A requiem mass was held in Bruckless, County Donegal, Ireland, on May 8th, and memorial will be held in the future in New York. His ashes are retained by the family and will interred at some future date. May Clifford “Rest in Peace”
We received the following from member Tom Greer who saw this on Facebook, but we don't know who posted it.
RET. LT. RICHARD BAGGS
1/31/1952 - 5/18/2020
Lou Hollander received the following from NYPD:
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. Lt. Richard Baggs on May 18th, at the age of 68 years. Richard was appointed to the Transit Police on May 20, 1974 and retired from NYPD on August 24, 2000. He was last assigned to PBBS SPECIALIZED UNIT.
Received this updated information from Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com
Services took place on Tuesday, May 26th followed by interment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery located at 10941 Southern Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.
His next of kin is his wife, Linda.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Buckley and Baggs families. May the deceased Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Edward Riley on May 15th at the age of 60 years. Edward was appointed to the Transit Police on January 6, 1984 and retired November 1, 1991. He was alast assigned to District 30. Next of kin is his mother, Elaine Riley.
Private services will take place on May 19th followed by burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Riley family. May Edward Rest in Peace.
May 9, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. VINCENT 'VINNY' BYRNE
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. VINCENT “VINNY” BYRNE 6/30/1942 – 5/5/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O.Vincent "Vinny" Byrne on May 5th, at the age of 77 years. Vinny was appointed to the NYCTPD on 12/1/1965 and retired 8/17/1981.
Vinny and his wife Judy were regular attendees at the annual Florida Reunion. Condolences can be sent to Judy and family at 3773 SW Kistler St. Port St. Lucie, FL 34953. My condolences to Judy and the Byrne family. You will be missed at future Florida reunions. May Vinny “Rest In Peace”
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Byrne family. May Vinny Rest in Peace.
May 8, 2020 RET. P.O. EDWARD TEASLEY (late report)
We regret to inform our members and friends of the passing of fellow Transit officer, Ret. PO Edward Teasley, on April 16th, at the age of 78 years. Edward was appointed to the Transit Police on May 7, 1968 and retired July 24, 1988. His next of kin is his daughter Robbin Teasley.
I worked with Ed in District 4 in the late 70’s. May he “Rest in Peace”
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Teasley family. May Edward Rest in Peace.
With a heavy heart, I have the task of reporting the passing this morning of (Ret. P.O.) Lewis Davis who worked in District 3 and retired from Disrict 2. There are no further details at this time. George
From Lou - They will be having a memorial for Lewis at a later date. Lewis was in my class, 3/10/69 and was my platoon Sgt. He was a very nice guy during the time we spent in the academy, unfortunately I don’t believe we ran into each other after the academy. He retired 7/17/89. May Lew “Rest in Peace”
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Davis family. May Lewis Rest in Peace.
May 6, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOSEPH FUNK
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOSEPH FUNK
11/3/1942 - 5/4/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Joseph Funk, on May 4th at the age of 77 years. Joseph was appointed to the Transit Police on December 1, 1965 and retired April 22, 1977. I believe he last worked in District 4 or 20
The following was published in Newsday on May 6, 2020
FUNK - Joseph F. of Westbury N.Y. passed away on May 4th 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Loving Father of Joseph Jr. and Janet Kobel (Peter). Beloved "Poppy" to Elizabeth Kobel and Emma Kobel. Loving Ex-Husband and friend to Joan Funk. Will be missed by his "grandpet" Peyton. Long time member of the Carle Place community. Served in the United States National Guard. Retired New York City Transit Police Officer. Memorial service to celebrate his life at a later date. Donations to North Shore Animal League America would be appreciated. Condolences may be left on the Legacy.com website: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-f-funk&pid=196147590
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Funk families. May Joseph Rest in Peace.
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. James Hall, on April 3rd, 2020, at the age of 67 years. James was appointed to the Transit Police on March 14, 1974 and retired from NYPD on June 27, 1996. His next of kin is his wife, Claudia Hall.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Hall family. May James Rest in Peace.
Ret. P.O. Rene Artaud was appointed to NYCTPD 10/1/1973 and retired from NYPD on 6/27/1995. May Rene “Rest in Peace”
I just spoke with Henry Van Heemstedtobelt a short while ago and am sorry to pass on the news of Rene Artaud's passing away earlier this morning. Henry's daughter works with the Monroe Ambulance Service and made notification to her father who verified the address and drove to Rene's house. When Henry arrived, the NY State Police were already safeguarding the property.
During our phone call Henry told me that he had then spoken to Rene's cousin who was able to add a few details. Rene's cancer had recently become more aggressive and was unresponsive to chemo treatments. Rene spoke to his ex-wife to tell her that because of all this turmoil with Coronavirus / Covid 19, he didn't want there to be any attempt at a wake / viewing. If anyone wanted to visit the cemetery for the burial, that would be up to them.
Henry added that when he was at Rene's house he noticed that Rene's two toys were missing from the front yard. Rene had a '60s Mustang and a '70s Hurst 442 that he kept under tarps, free of rust, and drove around town from time to time. Apparently, Rene saw things coming and took the time to 'take care of things' and 'put things in order'.
Rene's remains are being handled by the Ferguson Funeral Home in Washingtonville, NY where his daughter was waked last year. I will be sure to pass on any details as soon as I get them.
Some people on this mailing may not remember Rene Artaud because of his status as a true old-timer. He retired in the late Spring 1995, shortly after the merge. Rene was a rookie with the likes of Steve Buatti, Billy Cozzollino, Frankie Colamesto, Mugsy Whalen, 'Joe' McGarry, Lt. 'Chet' Levey, Mickey Perez, Gene Hennigan, Kenny Blischke, and all the others who remember when "the old District One" was on the 57Street Mezz..
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Artaud family. May he Rest in Peace/
April 25, 2020 UPDATE FROM THE FAMILY OF RET. D.I. ROBERT ABRAHAM
We received information and a request from Bob's daughter, Michelle Abraham (NYPD PO - 122 Pct.) to please forward any and all correspondence to her as she is handling all affairs for Bob's widow, Magdalena.
(Ret. Sgt.) Richard Suzuki, 78, of Sayville, Long Island, died April 19, 2020 of COVID-19. Beloved husband of Linda. Loving father of Richard Jr., and Peter, stepfather of Robert Williams III, Jennifer Karpoich, and Michael Williams. Grand-father of eleven and great-grandfather of three. Richard was a retired sergeant of NYC Transit Police, and a proud US ArmyVeteran. Services will be private, with a larger Celebration of Life at a later date. If you wish to remember Richard with a gift, please consider making a donation to the Long Island State Veteran's Home in Stony Brook, New York. Arrangements were entrusted to Moloney Family Funeral Homes in Bohemia, New York. (As posted in Newsday)
Richard was appointed to the Transit Police on May 3, 1965 and retired July 18, 1985
Sent by Lou Hollander as received from NYPD
RET. P.O. JOHN BRITT 2/4/1944 - 4/18/2020
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. John Britt on April 18, 2020, at the age of 76 years. No information received as to services.
John was appointed to the Transit Police on May 3, 1965 and retired July 31, 1978. No services at this time. His next of kin is his wife, Frances.
From Lou Hollander:
STELLA GALVANI, WIFE OF THE LATE RET. P.O. JOHN GALVANI
I was informed that John’s widow, Stella, passed away last night, April 23rd, from COVID-19. Stella rejoins John just 18 days after he passed. At least it is nice to know that they are together again. Stella was a very nice lady. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. May she and John be “resting in Peace” in the arms of Jesus. Because of the situation we are in, I am almost positive there will not be a viewing or service.
Condolences can also be sent to their son Darren Darren Galvani 1332 Allen Dr Seaford, NY 11783 DarrenGalvani@Gmail.com
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased. May their loved ones Rest in Peace
RET. DET. EDWARD WASILEWSKI 11/24/1925 - 4/20/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. Det. Edward Wasilewski on Monday, April 20th, at the age of 94 years. Ed was appointed to the Transit Police on January 9, 1950 and retired July 28, 1975.
Family services were held on April 24th
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his wife, Sophie, and the Wasilewski family. May Ed rest in peace.
April 19, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. NORMAN PORTER
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. NORMAN PORTER 8/7/1937 - 4/11/2020
Hello Louie, I must share the sad news that my father, Lt. Norman E. Porter passed away on the evening of Saturday April 11th after a long period of ill health. He went on to join my mom Pauline who predeceased Dad on January 5th of this year. They were together for over 62 years. Dad loved his career with the Transit Police and valued all the friendships he made there over the years.
At this time, our family has chosen to delay the memorial service for Dad until after the restrictions we all have to live under have been lifted and our family can be together. We hope that everyone who is part of our Transit Police Family is taking care of themselves and remaining healthy.
Norman was appointed to NYCTPD 10/23/1961 and retired 2/6/82. May Norman “Rest in Peace” with his love Pauline
I had the pleaseure of working with Lt. Porter when I was assigned to the O/U back in the late '60s. I always found him to be a fair and honest gentleman at all times. May he Rest in Peace. - Tony
I was informed this evening by Val Kasprzak that John had died unexpectedly in his home this morning of a heart attack. She said John hasn’t been ill. Because of the Caronavirus, there will not be any viewing or service. John will be cremated . John was appointed to NYCTPD 12/3/68 and retired from the NYPD, date unknown. I worked with John on the 8P’s in the early 70’s. He was a very nice friendly guy and as I remember was always smiling. John and his wife Val attended many of the Florida reunions where he was missed for the last few years as he was busy traveling around the USA in his huge motor home. We will miss him at the reunions. May John “Rest in Peace”:
Our deepest condolences ans sympathies to the Kasprzak family. May John Rest in Peace.
April 16, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER and SGT-AT-ARMS RET. P.O. EDWARD WILKO
We received this sad news this morning from our Financial Secretary Greg Stripp welltadoo@aol.com
LIFETIME MEMBER and SGT-AT-ARMS RET. P.O. EDWARD WILKO 2/17/1943 - 4/16/2020
We deeply regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of our Association's Sgt-At-Arms,Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. EdwardWilko, on April 16th at the age of 77 years from the COVID-19 virus. Ed had been hospitalized for 2-3 weeks and had recently been under a ventilator.
Ed was always a welcoming person at the doors of our meetings and events with a big smile and always ready with the raffle tickets to sell. Ed was a US Navy veteran before joining the Transit Police on May 3, 1965 and retired July 4, 1986. I believe he was last assigned to District 23.
Ed leaves his daughters Charlene Enoch and Rachel Miller who is an active Police Officer with the Nassau PD.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Wilko family. May Ed Rest in Peace.
April 16, 2020 RET. D.I. LEONARD PEZZILLO and RET. P.O. VITO NEGLIO
I am saddened to inform all that Retired DI Leonard Pezzillo passed away on April 15th, but not from the virus. He was at St. Francis Hospital with a heart problem. He went home and shortly thereafter passed away. Lenny was appointed on 6/21/65 and retired right after the merge. No funeral details available.
From Lou Hollander:
I also received this information from FOP Lodge 3100. I have not received any other information. If I get any new info I will pass it along. I knew Lenny in the Mid 70’s when I worked in Dist. 3 CWAC, I remember him as a real nice friendly guy and was told he was a fair Boss. My condolences to his family and may he “Rest in Peace”
We regret to inform our fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Vito Neglio on April 14th at the age of 82 years. Vito was appointed to the Transit Police on June 1, 1966 and retired April 24, 1987.
A service was held for the family on Monday, April 20th followed by burial in St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx NY
His next of kin is his wife, Gladys.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Pezzillo and Neglio families. May Lenny & Vito Rest in Peace.
April 15, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOHN NORRIS
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOHN NORRIS 2/27/1936 - 4/15/2020
With a heavy heart we sadly inform you that our Brother Lifetime Member Ret. PO John Norris has lost his battle with the COVID-19 virus. John was taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator on Sunday. He passed this morning at 4 AM. John was 84 yrs. of age.
John's wife Virnia, who also was infected, has been cleared of the virus. Bro. Norris joined the Transit Police Dept. on December 1,1965 and spent the majority of his years in Dist. 20 and 22 and retired November 3, 1980..
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Vinnia and the Norris family. May John Rest in Peace.
I searched for an obituary for Hugh, but was unable to find one. Hugh is on my mailing list and his email Arnie enclosed is correct. Hugh was appointed to NYCTPD 5/3/1965 and retired 2/18/1987. May Hugh “Rest in Peace”
I want to let you know that Hugh Powell passed away yesterday morning. He suffered from dementia for several years and recently he went to Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson where he passed away. He came on the job around the same time we did but I don't know if he was in our class. I worked with him at 22C which was 168th St. Jamaica Ave. when we did 8P to 4A (remember those days?) and remained friends with him down through the years. I will truly miss him. He will be cremated and at this time I have no news as to any future services planned. Should I get that information I will pass it on. When Hugh retired, again I don't know the date, I think it was the late 80's, he went to work for the Rockefeller Organization at Rockefeller Center and had a nice 2nd career. If condolences want to be sent the only email address I have is huelstone@aol.com.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Powell family. May Hugh rest in peace.
April 9, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. INSP. ROBERT "BOB" ABRAHAM
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. INSP. ROBERT ABRAHAM 9/26/1941 - 4/9/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. Insp. Robert Abraham at the age of 78 years. Bob had been hospitalized from the effects of COVID-19 and passed away from complications of the virus.
Bob was appointed to the Transit Police on May 3, 1965 and retired from NYPD on September 26, 2001. After retirement, he went on to become the Chief of Police of the Sea Gate Police Department in Brooklyn, not very far from District 34 in Coney Island.
From Lou Hollander:
Services took place on Sunday, April 12th and interment in New Montifiore Cemetery, W Babylon NY
I have had the pleasure working with Bob, when he was the Sgt in Manhattan Criminal Court in the mid 70’,s doing arraignments . He was a pleasurer to work for, very enjoyable to be around. One of his biggest concerns were what we were going to eat and where I was going to get it.
RECEIVED FROM BOB’S DAUGHTER WENDY
We lost a beautiful soul on April 9th, 2020 when Robert "Bob" Abraham passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his current wife, Maggie, five children, Scott, Kenny, Wendy, Michelle and Eleanor, five adoring grandchildren Karly, Jason, Lindsey, Loren and Mikayla, nephew, Steven and niece, Cindy, his first wife, Joan and two "sisters" Susan and Debbie. Additionally, there are countless "brothers" and friends who are mourning this great loss. Bob dedicated his life to service and community as evidenced by his long-term work with the NYCTP and with the NYPD after the merge, Masons and various other organizations. Walking through the streets of NYC with Bob was like being with a celebrity-people stopped him all the time to thank him for help, support and mentorship he provided through the years. He was a friend to all and helped anyone in need. Bob was a model of pure compassion and kindness and his personality was larger than life. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Second Kings Charities Fund, a Masonic charity. A memorial service will be planned in the coming months. When that date is set Louie will post it.
I first met Bob when I was working in the O/U in the late '60s. He always had a smile and a helping hand. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his wife, Magdalina, and the Abraham family. May Bob rest in peace. - Tony
April 7, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBERS RET. P.O. JOHN GALVANI and RET. SGT. GAETANO "GUY" GLIAMAS (late notice)
Frank Crisa and Fred Ametrano heard of this yesterday but it wasn't confirmed until today. Our thanks to Lou Hollander for this also.
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOHN GALVANI
9/10/1943 - 4/5/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. John Galvani, on Sunday, April 5th at the age of 76 years. John had recently been feelin ill and fell, requiring his being taken to a hospital where he was treated and tested and found positive for the coronavirus and after a few days, passed away. We were very happy to see John at the Retirees meeting in March and John was very happy to have attended.
John was appointed to the Transit Police on June 21, 1965 and retired July 4, 1990. He was the Recording Secretary and 2nd VP of the Transit Police PBA during the administration of Bill McKechnie.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, there was a private burial with the immediate family on Thursday, April 9th.
It is with much personal grief and deep remorse that I report to you the passing of former PBA 2nd VP John Galvani. John and I went back many years even before joining the Transit Police. We first met in 1961 as employees of the Irving Trust Company. We joined the Department in June of ’65 and reunited.
When I ran for PBA President I asked John to join my team. John was a tenacious and outspoken fighter for the rights and benefits for the cops he served. He was not the smoothest talker in the world by any means , but he got his points across. There were many a time I thought he was going to go across the desk at a boss that disagreed with him. Thanks goodness he never did, physically that is, verbally he made his point in spades.
John and I came in to the PBA together and we left together John went to work at the NYC Community Affairs dept and then the City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.
In his later years John had some physical problems which probably contributed to his death the ultimate cause was pneumonia which was brought on by covid- 19. John leaves behind his wife Stella and his two sons Michael and Darren their wives and grandchildren. May he Rest in Peace. And may all those transit cops that traveled this course before him be prepared to welcome him in heaven.
Bill McKechnie
From Lou Hollander as received from Ret. Det. Tom Saracco
LATE OBITUARY LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. GAETANO “GUY” GLIAMAS 10/6/1944 - 4/1/2020
Hi Lou
On Wednesday night, April 1st, Ret Sgt. Gaetano Gliamas passed away from a heart attack at his winter home in South Daytona Beach Florida. No information is available as of now.
This what I received from his girl friend Ellen: Because of the Corona Virus and as he lives in Connecticut, everything is on hold. His son lives in Connecticut and they will have a memorial at a later date.
He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann Gliamas.
Guy was appointed to the Transit Police on December 1, 1965 and retired on January 6, 1990. May he “Rest in Peace”
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Galvani and Gliamas families. May John and Guy rest in peace.
March 31, 2020 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM THE FAMILY OF THE LATE RET. P.O. JOSEPH ADAMO
Dear New York City’s Finest: This past weekend, we laid our father, former NYC Transit Police Officer Joseph Adamo, to rest. Our father was a forever police officer and wore his uniform proudly. Given the current health crisis and his sudden death as a result of COVID-19, there was nothing normal about the funeral services. Words cannot express what it meant to us to have the presence of an overwhelming number of Officers at St. Charles cemetery on Saturday. They stood tall, despite the rain, and lifted our spirits and brought great comfort to our family that includes three generations of New York City police officers. May you all never underestimate the impact your presence has at a time when Blue families need you most. Stay well and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Kim Adamo Brussell, daughter of the late Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Joseph Adamo, who passed away on March 23rd.
A Thank you from members of the Transit Family.
March 28, 2020 WIFE OF LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. WALTER MACK
I received a call from Christine McIntyre informing me that Janis had passed away this morning. Janis lost her fight with cancer after giving it a good fight to beat it. After speaking with Christine, I contacted ‘Woody,” Jan’s husband, to extend my condolences. I had been in contact with Woody quite often over the past months where he would give me update on Janis’ condition. He seemed very positive that she would beat it and requested prayers and letters to keep Jan’s spirit’s up which I was told did exactly that. She was due to start chemo treatments a few weeks ago which had to be cancelled due to internal bleeding. She was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital 4 hours away from their home in Oberlin, KS. She was at that hospital a couple of weeks and Woody stayed in the hospital with her the whole time. I spoke with her a few times while she was in the hospital and you would never know she was suffering. Her spirits were always up. She was released from the hospital to return home, where she was place in Hospice care at home.
Unfortunately, I did not know Janis on the job. I got to know her over the many years she attended the Florida reunions and from the NY reunions I attended. She was a very nice girl, with a heart bigger the herself. She was always there to help anyone that needed help. She was active in many local organizations. She “Loved the Transit Police” She told me that she was going to get through this “because she was Transit”.
I was told by Woody that Jan will be cremated and, at some point, he will return to Long Island where they will hold a Memorial Mass for her at the same church where their son Ryan’s funeral was held. When those plans are made I will forward the information. My condolences to Woody. I pray the Lord will comfort him during this sad time. Condolences can be sent to Arthur Wood, PO Box 134 Oberlin KS 67749. May Janis “Rest in Peace”
The above photo was taken at the Florida Reunion
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Woody and their family. May Janis Rest in Peace.
March 23, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOSEPH ADAMO
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOSEPH ADAMO 6/13/1942 - 03/23/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Joseph Adamo, today, March 23, 2020, at the age of 77 years. Joseph had contracted the coronavirus and was hospitalized last Friday when he developed pneumonia.
Joe was appointed to the Transit Police on June 30, 1969 and retired December 25, 1989. Joe's grandson just graduated from the NYPD Police Academy and his son-in-law is also a member of NYPD.
There is no viewing and a private burial service will take place at the cemetery in light of the current pandemic restrictions and the family asks that any donations be made to the Survivors of The Shield at www.survivorsoftheshield.org
Received 3/26 from Joe's daughter, Kim: I just wanted to let you know that NYPD is sending officers for the burial on Saturday. We are so happy that my Dad will receive the honor he deserves. Thank you again.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his wife, Arleen, and the Adamo family. The photo above was taken at a recent Romeo & Juliet luncheon.
I received this obituary information from Gail Imhauser gimhauser@hotmail.com Pedro was appointed to NYCTPD 1/13/92
Lou, My old partner, Pedro Garcia passed away. I worked with him for 6 or so years and only stopped working with him because I was promoted... we were very close. He was 56 years old. Worked in D2 and TMTF (42&8). Hired in 92, retired in 2017, 25 years of service.
On March 7th he was admitted to NYU Langone. He was diagnosed with gastric cancer that had already metastasized into his bones and his brain. They had to put a shunt in his brain to relieve the pressure. He never regained consciousness and passed away on March 17th. This was an extremely aggressive cancer. It is 9/11 LOD pending approval from the medical and pension board. NYPD is treating it as a LOD death and his family is getting their full support. Gail
Services took place on March 24th & 25th followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery, 1629 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn NY
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Garcia family. May Pedro Rest in Peace.
March 12, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. SALVATORE RUSSO (late notice)
This is another instance when our mail has been returned and we find out that the member has passed away. In this case, mail to Lifetime Member Ret. Lt. Salvatore Russo was returned. I was able to contact his home and was asked to contact Sal's daughter, Maria Brown, which I did and she informed me that her father had passed away in September, 2012. The Association was never contacted before with this news.
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. LT. SALVATORE RUSSO 4/28/1923 - 9/30/2012
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member, Ret. Lt. Salvatore Russo, on September 30, 2012. Sal was appointed to the Transit Police on October 23, 1961 and retired November 2, 1981.
March 11, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBERS RET. DET. RAYMOND KOPP and RET. P.O. JOHN CURTIN (late notice)
It's noteworthy to share some facts about Ray, beyond wake/mass info.
While working in the TPD Robbery Squad, we often pulled in P.O. Ray Kopp to work investigations based on his arrests. We'd go on to make more robbery arrests. After promotion to Det., Ray worked in the Robbery Sqd. He earned dozens of medals/awards before retiring (after on-the-job-injury), as a 2d grade Det. Ray lost his beloved wife, Janet, in '93, affecting Ray until he passed away. Yes, there was much good in Ray's life. He was very proud of his two children, Adam & Lorraine, and all his grandchildren. RIP Ray.
Sincerely, Louis A. Cruz, Esq., Det. Ret.
This email was sent to Lou Hollander who, we thank, forwarded it to the Retirees Association
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. JOHN CURTIN
5/1/1939 - 10/19/2019
Dear Mr Hollander, For reasons too many to mention, I didn't notify the retired transit police organization of the death of my husband. I am so sorry for the delay. John was very ill the last few months of his life, and I, naturally, was busy taking care of him. He was a real fighter all his life to keep on despite having had a kidney transplant over 20 years ago, diabetes and other issues. Up until 3 years ago, he was sawing logs and splitting them by hand and when he was in the woods by the house, you could hear him whacking away with the sledge hammer and his trusty wedges. He passed away October 17th, 2019 at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, and a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Sidney, NY. The American Legion Post in Franklin had an honor guard at his burial in Franklin, NY
Sincerely, Pamela Curtin
John was appointed to the Transit Police on December 1, 1965 and retired December 1, 1980.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Kopp and Curtin families. May their deceased loved ones Rest in Peace.
Roslyn Gold,mother of Retired Detective Jerome (Jerry) Schwartz (Transit PD, retired from 45th Precinct) and grandmother of Retired Police Officer Corie Schwartz (retired from 1st Precinct) and Detective Michael Schwartz, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020. The family will have a private funeral. Shiva will be held at 6 Madisyn Avenue, Washingtonville, NY on Sunday, March 8th and Monday, March 9th from 4pm - 8pm. Jerry can be reached at (845) 494-2802 or email Jerry4313@yahoo.com
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family. May Roslyn Rest in Peace.
February 28, 2020 RET. P.O.s MARIO GUILIANO and JOSEPH MARINELLO
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Mario Guiliano, on February 25th at the age of 77 years. Mario was appointed to the Transit Police on une 1, 1966 and retired July4, 1979.
Funeral Services took place on March 1st & 2nd in Mt. Kisco, NY Next of kin: His wife, Gloria Guiliano
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Joseph Marinello, on February 24th at the age of 75 years. Jospeh was appointed to the Transit Police on June 21, 1965 and retired August 6, 1983.
Funeral services took place on March 2nd. His remains were cremated.
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. SGT. LEROY HILL 6/16/1925 - 2/17/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member, Ret. Sgt. Leroy Hill, on February 17th, at the age of 94 years. Leroy was appointed to the Transit Police on May 18, 1955 and retired January 6, 1980.
Charles received the following email from the Hill family:
The family of Leroy Hill mourned his passing on Monday, February 17, 2020. They are grateful for the prayers and condolences and support received thus far.
A memorial service was held to celebrate the life of retired Sergeant Leroy Hill on February 29th.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Hill family. May Leroy Rest in Peace.
Retired Detective Jerome Dassaro, formerly assigned to the Detective Bureau, Transit Special Investigations, passed away on February 19, 2020. He was appointed to Transit Police on July 28, 1983 and retired from NYPD on September 1, 2003.
For years, detectives Dassaro and his partner, Tom Weiner, were known as “Tom and Jerry," a nod to their famed ability to play the cat-and-mouse game needed to track down the city’s graffiti artists. Weiner died in 2003 of Sept. 11-related cancer. Dassaro, who suffered a stroke in recent years, died in his sleep at a Pennsylvania nursing home early Wednesday, his family said.
The duo worked in the Transit Bureau’s Coney Island-based vandal squad since the 1980s, and were legends not only with their fellow officers, but with the graffiti artists they busted.
“A vital member of the NYPD Vandal Squad, Jerry Dassaro was the epitome of a New York City Detective — a master of his craft,” said Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo. “Jerry truly knew how to read the writing on the wall, preventing and solving countless crimes. The thoughts and prayers of the DEA are with his family.”.
Funeral services took place on February 23rd, 24th & 25th
Our deepest condolences to his wife, Dorothy, and the Dassaro family. May Jerry Rest in Peace.
February 20, 2020 LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. RICHARD DOYLE
LIFETIME MEMBER RET. P.O. RICHARD DOYLE 1/28/1927 - 02/16/2020
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Lifetime Member, Ret. PO Richard Doyle, on February 16th, at the age of 93 years. Richard was appointed to the Transit Police on April 4, 1955 and retired December 14, 1979.
We received the following sad news from his daughter, Eileen Kavanagh. There was no viewing or funeral Mass. Burial took place on February 21st.
Some sad news, my Dad passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb 16. He was in the Hebrew Home in Riverdale and had decided to have his feeding tube removed. He could no longer eat or drink or walk. He’d turned 93 on January 28. Dad was done and ready to go to Heaven!
Thanks for all your kindness over the years. He got a kick out of being in the Beyond the Line.
God Bless, Eileen
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Doyle & Kavanagh families. May Richard Rest in Peace.
February 5, 2020 MOTHER OF ASSOCIATE MEMBER DENISE TULLY
MOTHER OF ASSOCIATE MEMBER DENISE TULLY AND MOTHER-IN-LAW OF MEMBER RET. P.O. JOHN TULLY
Services for my mother in law, Janette Gadell, took place on February 6th and 7th. with burial in Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery Putnam Valley NY
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Denise & John and the Gadell family. May Janette rest in peace.
January 31, 2020 RET. P.O. HAROLD LYE (late notice)
We regret to inform our members ad fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. Harold Lye, on January 2nd, 2020, at the age of 66 years. Harold was appointed to the Transit Police on October 20, 1981 and retired on November 30, 1998. He has been assigned to Transit HQ. No informatoin given as to any services. His next of kin is his wife, Susan
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Lye family. May Harold rest in peace.
January 29, 2020 RET. DET. THEODORE CAPOZZIELLO (late obituary) and MOTHER OF RET. LT. FLORENTINO FRANCO
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret Det. Theodore Capozziello, who passed away on December 24th, 2019, at the age of 60 years. Ted was appointed tot eh Transit Police on December 6, 1980 and retired from NYPD on December 31, 2000. He was formerly assigned to CITU.
From Lou as received from Ret. Lt. Florentino “Frank” Franco.
It’s with deep sorrow that I report the passing of my mother, Serafina Rivera (Franco) on Friday, January 24th
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Capozziello and the Rivera / Franco families. May their deceased loved ones rest in peace.
January 25, 2020 RET. P.O. MICHAEL SCARPITTA and RET. P.O. PAUL CARNEY (late notifications)
We received this sad information from Michael's son, Michael John Scarpitta, after our mail to Mike was returned.
Ret. P.O. Michael Scarpitta 12/23/58 – 1/20/2019
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. PO Michael Scarpitta on January 20, 2019. Michael was appointed to the Transit Police on February 5, 1982 and retired (on 3/4) on June 20, 1988.
We only recently found out of Paul's passing when Ret. P.O. Neil Carboy sent in a donation in memory of his brother-in-law Paul Carney. There was no further information available other than he passed away in Florida in November, 2018. We do not have his DOB. Paul was appointed to the Transit Police in December, 1965; retirement date unknown, worked in District 11.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Scarpitta and Carney families. May Paul & Mike rest in peace.
Theodore Orphanos peacefully passed away in the early hours of Thursday, January 2, 2020. Ted, as he was known, was 77 years of age. Although suffering several physical ailments, Ted died of a broken heart, never really recovered from the loss of his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy “Terry” Orphanos. The couple met in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, where they were born and raised. Settling in The Villages for the past 17 years. Ted loved The Villages lifestyle, playing golf and softball. Appreciating the amenities The Villages has to offer. Ted was a proud father and extra proud grandfather or Papou, as he is so belovedly called. Ted is survived by his son John Orphanos, his wife Courtney, and his daughter Dana Lynn Gallo and her husband Jeff. Ted’s adoring grandchildren are Nicholas, Olivia and Theo, all of which will miss their Papou.
A viewing and services were held Saturday, January 11, 2020 in Lady Lakes, FL
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Brandley Hospice House, 17395 SE 109th Terrace Road, Summerfield, FL 34491.
We regret to inform our members and fellow officers of the passing of Ret. P.O. James Rigney on January 3rd, 2020, at the age of 75 years. James was appointed to the Transit Police on March 2, 1967 and retired May 5, 1981.
Funeral services took place January 6th in Staten Island NY
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his daughter, Deborah, and the Rigney family. May James rest in peace.
