Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Joseph Paul Zanella

Verona Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Friday, September 19, 1969

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Reflections for Police Officer Joseph Paul Zanella

I remember him from our Ait days at Fort Gordon. We had some good times. I even remember watching him get a tattoo.
He was a good pal to me at the time my mother passed away just before I reported to ft Gordon.

David Levinson
Army friend

August 14, 2023

On this 51st anniversary of your heroic and untimely departure I would like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your sacrifice is always remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 19, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 26, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Zanella.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 19, 2019

Officer Zanella,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 19, 2019

Thanks, Chuck, that is a wonderful compliment to the memory of Joe Zanella. I worked as a Pittsburgh Police officer for 14 years and I still remember the day he died.

Larry Lantz
Pittsburgh Police

September 19, 2013

I was in 8th grade at St Josephs school in Verona when word came through that a police officer was killed. I truly believe my career as apolice officer started with Joe Zanellas death.
After high school and graduating from Pitt, I was hired in 1979 as a full time officer with the Verona Police Dept. I left in 1989 when I was hired in Murrysville where I still work. Someone had asked me how and why I do this for 32 years. Upon reflection of this, I can only think of Joe Zanella as my earliest passion for police work.....he lives on in all of us.

Thank you for your sacrifice Joe.

Sgt Chuck Tappe
Murrysville Police Dept.

October 27, 2011

I never got to meet you, but your honor and courage lives on through me, and i know that you are watching over me along with God and St. Michaeal. Please continue to give me the strength and courage to fight the evil that exists in this world. You paid the ulitmate sacrifice and know that i am also willing to make that same sacrifice. Grandpa, thank you for going 10-7 for us. *As i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, cause you are with me*

Officer Zackary Zanella
Maricopa County Sheriffs Office/ Grandfather

September 12, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
father of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 19, 2010

Officer Zanella, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your service. God Bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

August 3, 2010

40 years ago to the day I remember the moment when I became aware of Officer Zanella's murder. We were playing a baseball game on the William McKinley field when numerous police cars came down the streets and through the field. We were told to immediately go home! The police believed killer Stanley Hoss was in the nearby woods down along the Saint Joes Cemetary. Later when in college I studied the incident and again recalled that sad day. Officer Zabella you aren't forgotten!

Bill Richardson
remembering

September 19, 2009

An Angel in the Sky Must Leave His Place of Rest.Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.For Duty has called, There is much work to do.Little did he know, This One is Dressed in Blue.Arriving on the Scene, He Knows Just What to Say,Follow me Fallen Brother, I'll Show you the Way,"Your Duty has Ended, Your Work is now Through,"Come Hang Your Hat Beside mine,I'm A Cop Too.

God bless the Zanella family

Rocky Geppert

May 30, 2009

Rest in peace always sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 19, 2007

I was merely 10 years old when your were killed. My father worked in Oakmont, but routinely stopped at a local cafe for coffee before and after going to his job on the river (Transamerican Friehgt Lines) He became a friend and shared some conversations with you and I remember was deeply saddend when you were taken from us. Even though I am 37 years older, I never forget you and often think of the man that did this to you and for what senseless reason. It is not just to take someones life You are a hero never to be forgotten.

May 2, 2007

We will always remember you, as a true hero should always be remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 10, 2006

Officer Zanella - thank you for your service. You have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

June 9, 2006

God bless you and keep you always. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

December 14, 2004

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