Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rod,
I was shocked two years ago when I saw your photo on the news with the devastating news. I am from Nanticoke, Pa., attended Bloomsburg Univ. 1990-92 and then briefly met you when you and your partner responded to a call in my former Va. Beach neighborhood. You were unfairly taken from your family & friends, and even those of us who don't know you well, were touched by your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with your family. Rest in peace.

Kim N.

September 7, 2005

9/3/05
Dear Rod:

I can't sleep tonight...I keep remembering a very happy event for you and all of us, 6 years ago...your wedding to the girl of your dreams. I remember vividly how happy and how nervous you were on that day. You looked fabulous as always, and, you were glowing. I remember you dancing with props to YMCA and just having one of the best days of your life. I'm so glad that you achieved happiness.

It brings back memories of my wedding, when you would not let John get in the wedding circle. I remember you lifting him up by his legs and making him land on his elbows...was he "xxxxxx" at you.

We miss you terribly. The thought of a family picture on the holidays, just doesn't seem right without you...how can we smile? There could never be enough pictures, memories, stories, etc..for us to fill your void.

When I look at your pictures, I keep praying that all of this is only a bad dream. I know that you are the lucky one, for you are now in a much better place.

We have gotten very close to some of your close friends, and it has helped us get thru each day.

"My Influence"

My life shall touch a dozen lives
Before this day is done;
Leave countless marks for good or ill,
Ere sets the evening sun.

To this is the wish I always wish,
The rayer I always pray;
Lord, may my life help other lives
It touches by the way.

(author unknown)

God's Lent Child:

I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine, God said --
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be one or two years
or forty two or three;
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And -- should his stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since ALL from earth return;
But the lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In search for teachers true;
And from the things that crowd Life's lane --
I have chosen you.

Will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For joys thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may--
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should thy angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the grief that cometh,
And try to understand."

(author: Florence Correa, poem changed to male gender)

Love, hugs, and kisses little bro....
miss you every day, every hour, every minute.

Qua

sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocce

September 3, 2005

To the family of Officer Pocceschi I would like to say I'm sorry for your loss. I saw his picture along with a poem on another officer's memorial website that one of his sisters submitted, so I decided to look him up on here. I glad I did. I thought the story about blowing the horn at a cop while drinking a beer was funny. It reminded me of my brother, Keith when he was a teenager too. Keith was a Richland Co. Deputy Sheriff. He was killed in a car wreck while on duty in May of this year. We lived about 80 miles apart, but the Lord saw to it that I got to see him exactly one week before he died. He was my only sibling. To Officer Pocceschi's sisters - I know now your pain and I'm sorry that we have to be members of the same club. I personally found strength in Jesus Christ during my difficult time and even now. I pray that you'll trust in Him and that one day you'll see your brother again as I will mine. I will pray for you all. In the end, we all the same goal and that is to see our brothers again. God bless you all.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

August 11, 2005

Rod, this has been a tough week for me. It was six years ago on 8-2-99 that we all started the academy together. Little did we know it would be the toughest 5 months of our lives, and little did we know we would find the best friends of our lives there. All week I have been reflecting on the good and tough times we had in the academy. Most of us from the 28th just put our MPO on, and I know you would have past the test with ease, but would have argued one or two questions that you missed to the end just like in the academy!! I love you brother RIP we have the watch now

Det. VBPD
28th Academy

August 8, 2005

Rod,

Six years ago today we began the 28th Virginia Beach Police Academy. It did not take long before the group of individuals soon became an extended family. Everytime I pass your memorial on Dam Neck Road, I stop and reflect on what you did that night and how honorably and valiantly you performed. I often told the 28th how proud I was of serving with them and I continue to feel that way every time I think of you and of them. I think about you everyday when I dress for work or put on your bracelet. I am going to the NLEOM Wall this week to see your name, and I will get an etching, but it is not the same as speaking with you.
We are continuing to "Stand the Watch", and we are better because of you.

"In Valor There Is Hope" - Tacitus

Officer Brian Ricardo
Virginia Beach Police Academy Class 28
"Honor, Above All but Integrity"

MPO Brian K. Ricardo
Virginia Beach Police

August 2, 2005

I think of Rodney often. I knew him in his early teen years as we stayed in Mountain Top with Fred, Jeanette,Jaqui, and Gina for summer vacations. I remember how "tough" he was and I always respected that. He was a free spirit..Jeanette and Fred always had great stories about him..
It kills me that a good soul was taken, but he is looking over everyone for a reason.
Say hello to Uncle Art, another good soul!!
Hello to your family as I will always remember the great times....
Bless you and your family
Carrie

Carrie Rinker

July 25, 2005

Rod, I think of you and the sacrifice you made everyday. Things will never be the same without you here, but I want you to know you will never be forgotten. Every time I ride by the spot on Dam Neck rd. tears come to my eyes, as I remember the good and hard times we had in the academy. Rod we have the watch now, rest in peace my brother!

Detective VBPD
28th Academy

July 23, 2005

Rod,

As I sit here in front of my computer and remember you, tears roll down my face. There is not a day that goes by that Tiffany and I dont think of the ultimate sacrafice made by you. Im not sure that we will ever be the same. I look at you and the pictures on the fridge of Carson and wonder why...I still dont have any answers...We miss you pal..

MPO R.S. Franklin
Virginia Beach PD

July 18, 2005

You are constantly on my mind Rod. On June 23rd, Devon, Lauren, and I went to your gravesite to say hello. We stopped and saw Aunt Lucy too. Tell Dad we will always watch over her.

On June 24th (friday), mom, Fred, and I met at your gravesite. Joe Delucca stopped by also. I cleaned off your stone and made it look beautiful. We have wreaths, picture collage, flowers, and cards near it. Afterward we headed over to what has become our place to go to talk about you. It is called the Tipsy Turtle and so far we have gone there for the past two June 23rd rememberances and for your birthdays, September 17th.

I made a toast to your mother and father-in-law, Yolanda and Ken, for their anniversary. We toasted you. The crowd gets bigger and bigger. This year we had Elaine, Donna, Michael, Glenna (these are cousins); Yolanda, Ken, Mark (brother-in-law), Jack (Carson's godfather), Mom and Fred, Eddie (your best friend), and Tom and myself.

Eddie was telling us the one story that I have to allow people to hear because it is so funny.

Eddie told us how during your teenage years, a police officer pulled in front of you and you slammed on the horn at the officer. He was now pulling you over. You had beer in the car and told Eddie to pour out all the cans onto Dad's car floor. You got arrested and had to have mom come bail you out. You then went back to get the car and told Eddie to spray hairspray all over the floor to cover up the smell. The next morning dad approached Eddie and told him that you wouldn't say anything and he would like to know how his whole car floor got sticky. I never laughed so hard. Only you would blow your horn, while drinking, at a police car.

I'm glad to hear that you never did anything bad with my firebird, when you borrowed it.

Each day after June 23rd, I kept picturing what we were doing 2 years ago and how everything played out. It just kept coming back to me. I remembered June 30th (the day of your service in VA Beach). I remmembered July 1st (the evening that we gathered at Good Old Days with all the VA officers that traveled). I remember July 2nd when we said our final goodbyes here in Pittston, PA.

Everyone is taking care of Maria and I know that people were worried about her but she seems to be doing well. We talk more now and things don't seem to hurt as much.

I will always wonder though what life would be like right now if you were here.

I miss you, little brother. I feel your presence. Until next time, big hugs and kisses to you and Dad.

Gina Pocceschi Boyle
Sister of Officer

July 7, 2005

Thank you to all of you who continue to remember our brother, Rod, even 2 years later.

It still seems like yesterday to us.

It has been rehabilitating to us to read your reflections and see how loved he was. This is all that we have left of him.

Sometimes it is still difficult to accept that he is no longer alive.

We are truly appreciative of this website as a communucation to help get us through each day.

May God Bless you all.

Thank you

Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
sister

June 26, 2005

Dear "Big, little brother":

If I could have a lifetime wish,
A dream that would come true,
I'd pray to God with all my heart,
for yesterday and You.

A thousand words can't bring you back,
I know because I tried.
And neither can a million tears;
I know because I've cried.

You left behind my broken heart
and happy memories, too.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you. (author unknown)

I miss you terribly. My pain is no less than 2 years ago. I still remember everything that day. Sometimes I pretend that I just haven't seen you in a long time; that you are busy working and studying....it eases the pain.

Every moment of every day, you are on my mind. I know that you helped answer one of my prayers...thank you for that.

I continue everday with you in mind thinking "What else can I do to help carryout your dream to make our neighborhoods safer".

Your death has made a big impact on our lives.

The other day, Mikayla started crying that she misses you. She was only 2 when you got killed, but your nieces remember it like it was yesterday. She asked me if i could bring you back, because mommy's are supposed to make everything better. I told her that you are with God in a much safer place and watching over us.

While in Va for the Unity Tour, we got to see the park that was dedicated in your honor. I am so proud of your unselfishness. You gave the ultimate sacrifice.

I remember when you used to fight with me over the tv, even when you already had your turn. You were so selfish over the tv (something of no major importance), yet, you so bravely gave your life. I admire you.

Christmas, Christmas Eve, and Memorial Day will never be the same.

I miss your wit and sarcasm. I miss your big hugs. I miss your presence.

Thanks for listening everday.

Help me get thru tomorrow.

xoxo
sister Jacci

sister

June 26, 2005

We will never forget what you did for us two years ago. God bless you and may you continue to rest in peace. Also may God continue to bless your family and friends. In Valor There is Hope....You are a hero Officer Pocceschi.

A Friend of a VA Beach Police Officer

June 25, 2005

Rod, I can't believe it's been two years today that the Lord called you home. But you know what, it isn't any easier to except. At times I almost convince myself that it really didn't happen. But, we all know that it did. Ken and I like to remember you by telling "Rod" stories. Like the one when you and Ken on Fridays would go in the basement and start celebrating the weekend. I would come home from work and find you and Ken taking turns dancing with the dog. I would just look at you two and laugh. Then I would go back upstairs and make something for you two to eat because I knew that neither one of you thought about eating. Speaking of eating, Ken asked me to make your favorite dessert yesterday "Tandy Kakes" in your memory. Of course I made two cookie sheets of them because whenever I made them for you, I had to make two, one for you and one for the rest of us. I knew how you loved them and I was more than happy to make them. I think of you everyday and thank God that you were my son-in-law while you were on this earth. Things are so different now, I am afraid our family will never be the same. I do alot of praying and hope that God will intervene. As for our precious little Carson, he is as handsome as you and he is so-o smart. He is a little mini Rod. The last time I saw Carson I couldn't get over how much energy he had. He made me recall some of the stories we heard from your Mom about you. We are blessed to have him and doubly blessed that he looks like you. He has Maria's eyes in a way. But,there is no mistaking that he is Rod Pocceschi's son. You would be proud. We are. I love you Rod and I miss you so much. One day we will all be together again as a family. Love, Yolanda (Mom)6/23/05

Yolanda Wielgopolski(Mom)

June 23, 2005

Some events that took place in 2003 seem like decades ago, but I feel like it was just yesterday when the horrible news reached me. The candle I burn next to your picture needs to be replaced, guess I've been thinking about you a lot lately.

I miss you and wish you were still here with us on Earth. I know you can see everything and you're still communication through your own ways. Last month is asked if you still had my back and now I know you do. Thank you for what you've done, I know it was your power in all of it and you helped make this happen.

I'll wear your tee shirt today and your ears will be ringing. I will be praying for your soul and for all of your family and friends that feel heartache on this day. And I pray that you are in heaven at peace and smiling when you read how much you were loved and respected and missed, not only on June 23rd but every day.

Love ya man!

"When i feel like there's no one... that will ever know me, there you are to show me. "
"When I look to the sky, something tells me you're here with me...and you make everything all right when you are here."

Jeff Kovalchik
18 1/2

June 23, 2005

Two years ago today, I remember the phone ringing at 3:30 a.m. and my heart stopping. What a great loss we all suffered that night. Life changed for all of us that day. Know that you are missed and your brothers in blue watch over your family. Rest in peace.

Amy, Wife of VBPD Brother in Blue

June 23, 2005

Brother Rod,

Hard to believe that it has been two years since you were taken from us. Though the time passes, not a day goes by that I don't think about the sacrifice that you made for your city and your profession. We carry on in your memory...Please watch over us as we remember our Hero, Our Angel In Blue.

PO J.J. Menago
VBPD

June 23, 2005

In loving memory of P.O. Rodney
Pocceschi: It is two years now that
you've been gone and I am so angry
for all that you will miss here on earth. But I know that God is faithful and He will somehow make it up to
you. My heart goes out to all those
left behind that are still feeling the
canyon of grief from your premature departure.
These reflections tell of a man of
integrity and honor who is deeply
loved and respected by all who knew
him. Time will not lessen the pain
nor the memories. You will be
fondly remembered forever. My love
to your wife and son and condolences to your brothers and
sisters in law enforcement. From
one coast of America to the other,
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 23, 2005

Well Rod, it was a week I will never forget. I really wished that I was there with you and would have gotten to watch you ride in the Unity Tour one year. John rode for you and did well. Jacci and I did our support for them this year. It was very exhausting but worth it to see the faces of those riders each time they got closer and closer.

It doesn't hurt so bad anymore to think about you. I know you are in a better place. I have released most of my anger with God and have come back into the church.

I haven't prayed in a long time and when I finally did, I know the prayer was heard because we got to see your son before the tour and it truly touched me to see him.

I wish you were here so that I could pick on you for having a boy just like you. He is a handful. I could just picture the stories you would be telling me about him. I hear some from your wife.

She is doing well.

Everyone still talks so highly of you and remembers the great stories of you. It was great being able to hear some of them this past week.

Next month will be 2 years. I wanted to play in our annual family golf tournament as a memory to you but I haven't had time to swing the club. So forgive me if I don't do it this year. But know that Ken and his family will be golfing.

I love you. Kiss dad for me. Big hugs and kisses to you.

Gina Pocceschi Boyle
Sister of Officer

May 15, 2005

June 23rd seems to be approaching much more quickly than any of us would like it to. I can't believe it will be 2 years soon.

Rod, as you can see from heaven, I recently went back to the job that I had when you were taken from us. I still feel uneasy every time I go through the motions I was the night I saw your face on the news here in Scranton. I can't shake them, yet it's been so long.

You sister has been in touch with me and that is awesome. I need to write to her more often. It felt great to know that she cared enough to get in contact with me. Now that spring is here I remember all the time we spent together at work. Nights like these were the best for shooting the bull and riding around trying to catch the law breakers. And of course all the lectures I got from you. Hope you're happy to see that I listened to you most of the time. You're on my mind every day and I hope that never changes.

I recently received pictures of the memorial on Damn Neck Road from a group of friends who were vacationing there recently. The age old saying is that a picture is worth a thousand words. It's odd that those pictures enstil thousands of memories and emotions, but I'm speechless when I view them. To feel so much but not be able to speak. It's like nothing I have felt before.... but then again you were like no one I had met before.

One in a million...still.... and always!

Miss ya man! Do you still have my back?

Jeff Kovalchik
18 1/2

May 14, 2005

I miss you Rod very much. God Bless You my friend. I carry good memories in my heart. Thank you for everything.

JT
vbpd

May 11, 2005

I truly could not believe it when I stumbled upon Rod's name in an article written for a memorial service that included MY husband AND Rod. I attended this service shortly after my husband died last year and I must have been totally oblivious at the time. I was pulling up articles on my husband for a scrapbook I was making and just could not believe what I was reading. I thought to myself, "This cant be Rod from Bloomsburg, it just cant be!". I frantically came on the officer down site bc I just HAD to see his picture. I was in shock when I saw what I didnt want to see. I could not believe what I read.

I met Rod at Bloomsburg University when he worked on campus. He was such a nice guy. He worked the overnight shift, and when he was bored and it was quiet and an uneventful night, I would meet him different places on campus and we would talk and talk until the early morning hours. I havent seen him since graduation, but everytime since then when I heard a Bee Gees song, I always thought of him.

To Rods family, I know the pain and suffering you are all feeling. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope that I run into you one day and finally get to meet you and tell you how sorry I am in person. He is a true hero, one of Virginia Beach's finest and one of the nations finest.

Sincerely,
Denise Petrelli Zimmerman

Denise Petrelli Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

May 8, 2005

Rod, I know you are in heaven with dad and I wanted to send this to you to please tell dad that we are remembering the anniversary of his passing. It is this Thursday April 21st. I wish you were both here with us. Please watch over your family show some of your family that are lost, how to come home to the people that love them. Things don't always work out for the best. We need a little help down here so send us some sunshine. I love you Rod. Tell dad I love him too and miss him.

To Lawrence Joseph Pocceschi (father of Rodney), here are bigs hugs from your family whom remember your passing on April 21, 1993.

Gina Pocceschi Boyle
Sister of Officer

April 19, 2005

Rod, I still think of you daily, and miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten

Det. Va Beach Police Dept. (28th)
Virginia Beach

April 7, 2005

REALITY

Imagine how our world would be,
if every Police Officer quit!
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
just finally had enough of it!

No respect, no loyalty,
no appreciation of all they do...
they'd give their lives for all of us,
these Wonderful Officers in Blue!

Kicked at, spit on,
punched, stabbed, and shot....
everyday assaults on officers
done...without thinking a second thought!

Our laws are in favor of criminals;
there's always some loophole in their case; out again to commit more crimes and murders
...creates pain, that we, the family and friends
...in time will never erase.

Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering...
when their precious life is lost while fighting crime.

More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes...
just to mention a few.
Please ask yourself how life would be,
if there were NO officers in Blue!

Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many...would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor, and your name gets added to the Wall!

Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
They enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
in jail serving time or on "Death Row".

All give some and some give all,
it's a risk they chose to take;
to put their heart and soul in it,
to put THEIR lives at stake.

So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
think of what YOU can do...

To help show respect,
to help follow laws,
So we'd quit losing our "Heroes in Blue"!

written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
sister of Fallen Officer "Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03"

written in loving honor and memory for Rod and all Law Enforcement. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for ALL you do and your unselfish sacrifices!

sister

March 11, 2005

This to my brother:

Dear Bro: it will be 2 years this June that you left us for Heaven. There's not a waking moment, bedtime moment or hour that you are not thought of or terribly missed. You are the lucky one for you are in a safer, peaceful place. We talk about you all the time so that your nieces will never forget you and your heroism. We have become actively involved in carrying out your mission to help make our world a safer place; this we do in honor of you.
We know that you are watching over us and that you are very proud. Now we know our mission in life.

Love and kisses....xoxo
Qua

sister

March 11, 2005