Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Arthur Edward Del Gaudio, Jr.

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Thursday, April 22, 1976

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Arthur Edward Del Gaudio, Jr.

Hi Beth,
I have never met you, but I am a second cousin of Art. His dad and my grandmother were brother and sister. I came upon this site totally by accident, and realized who this page memorialized. I was a bit younger than Art, but he was always full of smiles at our family gatherings, and I remember how much he wanted to be in law enforcement. I live in Texas now, and I hope you and your daughter are doing well.

Thoughts and prayers - a blessing Art was to his family and his community.
Donna Petrucci Glover

Donna Glover
cousin of Art DelGaudio

August 26, 2022

Officer Del Gaudio,
On today, the 44th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 22, 2020

Every time an officer receives his last call of duty I think of Art. Beth was with child at the time, and my heart was so full of hurt for her. Beth and Art lived behind us. I will never forget either of them. They were the nicest neighbors that another young couple could hope to have met. I will miss Art, and wish nothing but the best for Beth and her family.

Kathryn
Fried

May 26, 2016

I first met Art while we were in the Phoenix Police Academy, Class 127. I'm sure others of that class have their own memories. I was one of the few that were with other police departments. I was with the Scottsdale PD. I remember others from the Glendale and Tempe police departments. When we graduated, pictures taken by my wife, include myself with Art and another officer - I still have that picture. Besides developing police officer proficiency, the academy was also the place of building solid friendships. We all got together on the class' one year anniversary. It was a sober experience as Art wasn't there, he had lost his life in the line of duty. Beth was there with their child to be. It was a long time ago - but the memories will never diminish.

Officer Dan Topel
Scottsdale PD & Brookline, NH PD

May 20, 2016

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to write this. My husband was indeed a fine and brave man and is missed every moment of every day.

Beth S
Widow of Officer DelGaudio

March 13, 2016

Never knew this fine man, so obvious from the words spoken here. I also share his last name and have noticed these memorials over the years. God Bless his memory and all the brave work done by men and women of law enforcement, especially during these current times.

Luigi Del Gaudio
Appreciative of his sacrifice.

January 5, 2015

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 22, 2013

Our daughter turned 36 today. I remember the day of her birth so clearly. How bitter/sweet that day was. Holding this beautiful creation of you and I in my arms but you were not able to do that. You could only look down from Heaven to see the gift from God that was ours.
Andrea also got married this weekend. Michael is a gentleman that I know you would approve of. He will look after her and be loving and kind as you would want him to be.
How I would have loved to see you walking her down the aisle and giving her hand to her husband to be.
Love you with all my heart. Missing you more than words can express.

Beth DelGaudio-Selinger
Art's wife (widow)

September 20, 2012

Still deeply missing you my love. I wanted so much to grow older together but you will remain young, strong and so handsome in my mind. One day God will bring us together again and I will once again know the joy of your love.

Beth DelGaudio-Selinger
Art's wife (widow)

July 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. Like you, he was an excited and expectant father at the time of his death.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your families and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 23, 2012

I would like to once again thank those of you who continue to remember Art in your hearts and prayers. You always remain a loving family to me and my daughter.
God Bless all of you and keep you safe.
Beth

Beth DelGaudio-Selinger
Widow

May 27, 2011

Rest easy my brother, keep an eye on us from above.

Policeman
Phoenix PD,Brother in Blue

July 1, 2010

On 4/22/2010, our squads stood at 10th Street & Rose to honor your memory. It had been thirty four years to the day that you answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. While none of us had the privilege to know you, we will never forget and you will live on in our hearts.

- 71J / 52F Squads

Anonymous

April 24, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 22, 2010

To all my brothers and sisters involved with Art's memorial,
I can't begin to find enough words to express my deepest gratitude and love for each and every one of you. Your respect, your presence, your hard work and devotion to our fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten. You will all remain in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers every day.
Thank you all so very much for being there for the ceremony and special thanks to everyone involved in helping me to be there.
You have my love...always.
Beth

Beth DelGaudio-Selinger
Widow

June 14, 2008

I can't believe it has been so long. It was a real pleasure to see Beth at the dedication.

Police Guard (ret) Kathleen Morrison
Phoenix Police Dept

June 10, 2008

I was working east side, while the dispatcher on north side
was working a pursuit. One call came in (961-Accident-NO INJURIES) at 10 St. and Rose Lane. I couldn't put the call out because north side took my frequency for the pursuit. After that pursuit ended in a crash, I sent an officer to respond to the 961. Upon arrival, he advised, "this is a possible 963 (traffic fatality) of two police officers. Officer Ted Music was saved, but we lost Officer DelGaudio. The details of that crash are still with me today. No doubt that the pursuit caused the crash and delayed our response. Later that morning, the officer on the scene called me to tell me that Officer DelGaudio has a peaceful look on his face. That was very comforting.

Maureen LaPointe, Police Dispatcher
Phoenix Police Dept.

June 6, 2008

Art was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor; strong but gentle, full of fun but practical, in love with his beautiful wife, excited about having their first child, and building his home and life. To this day, the first thought that comes to my mind is always 'it wasn't supposed to happen', not to Artie or any Class 127 officers. Maybe to someone else but not to us. Tragedy is so unexpected, grief so deep, and time so long. We remember you Art with loving and happy memories. Maybe that is the gift you gave - a reminder to appreciate each day.

Det. Suzanne Shaw 2962
Phx PD

June 6, 2008

I remember that night Art......the other Officer involved in that tragedy and I were classmates in the academy several years before. You are not forgotten brother.....

"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue."

Ret. Sgt. Bill Rice
Phoenix Police Department

May 29, 2008

I STARTED MY WONDERFUL CAREER AT PHOENIX IN 1967 AND LATER MOVED OVER TO DPS. I NEVER SHARED TIME WITH U ART. WE WERE ALL SO BUSY WITH IMPORTANT THINGS AND NOW I SEE MY TIME MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO KNOW THE HEROES AND I'M SAD NOW WHEN I SEE FALLEN OFFICERS ANYPLACE. ART U DID COUNT AND WE SHALL NOT FORGET ALL THE BAD GUYS WHO CAUSED SUCH PAIN. WE MUST CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE BADGE. FAMILY NEEDS TO KNOW WE CARE !FOREVER AND EVER !AND I WANT U TO KNOW ART MY BABYGIRL AND A SON IN LAW ARE BOTH SERVING IN POLICE JOBS. YES ART I WORRY ABOUT ALL. GOD BLESS AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

LARRY CAPP
FORMER PPD NOW RET'D FROM DPS

May 28, 2008

I worked with Beth at the time of Art's death. We both worked at Payless Shoes. I remember being invited to Beth's home for Art's special spaghetti sauce.
I remember Art being a sweet, funny man. Beth was pregnant when Art passed away. My heart broke for her and their family. I was so happy to read, a few years ago, that Beth's daughter had graduated. Has it really been that long ago.
My best to Beth. I'll never forget Art and I still think of him often.

Kay (friend)

May 28, 2008

Artie - Although it has been many years, my memories of us as kids on Ohio Avenue in Massapequa, New York are vivid. It has always been a comfort for me to remember happy times growing up with you and my brother,Regan and Joey Abrado and Johnny Depp, and even Warren Ray. We had some great stick ball games on Ohio Avenue and my dad has some cherished photos of us as kids. Although we all went our seperate ways, I remember the good times we had. Thanks for your service, and sacrifice, I am very proud to say I knew you. Gary T. Voit

Gary T. Voit
Childhood friend

December 13, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 14, 2007

Brother Art, I remember the day you left this department to join God's department in heaven very vividly. As a detective in that bureau several of us cried when we were told of your loss to our department. It is difficult to relive that moment but you and your love for your family, your brothers and sisters in the badge will always be with us. God's law enforcement gained an honorable member that day. May He bless you, your family forever. Have a dance with Jesus for me.
In Christ, Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD

October 22, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Gaudio. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.