Watchung Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Matthew J. Melchionda
Matt,
Night shift isn't the same without you but I know you are out there with us. You are always remembered with a smile. It's truly amazing how many people you have touched. We are keeping the memories alive, Matt. We really are.
Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD
June 9, 2009
Matthew:
Today is Dave and Sherry's Fourth Anniversary. I remember so well the toast you gave at their wedding. We are thinking of you always,remembering and missing you so.
Love you with all my heart,
MOM
Jane Melchionda
MOM
June 3, 2009
ALWAYS REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN, TODAY AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.
WITH LOVE BEYOND WORDS,
MOM
X0X0
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
May 25, 2009
dear matt.
I have not seen you in years nor talked to you I cant believe your gone. When i found this online i didnt want to believe it was true. i remember all the thanksgivings me and gram came to your house and the summer visits so i could swim in the pool. i was young then and never got a chance to tell you how much i looked up to you and dave as cousins. i love you and miss you dearly with all my heart.
rianna martini
cousin
May 24, 2009
Matthew, I am missing you so.
I love you,
Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda
May 7, 2009
Matthew:
As Easter approaches, I am reminded of so many Easters when you and Dave indulged me in the hunt for Easter eggs. Even when you guys grew into men, and protested, you still competed to see who could find the most eggs. I know it was just for my benefit in the later years but it made my heart sing. I miss those days so terribly. Holidays will just never be the same without you.
We miss you, Matthew.
Love,
Mom
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda
April 9, 2009
We're thinking of you on your birthday, Matt. We miss you every day and hope you are watching from Heaven, knowing all of the ways you have been honored and remembered.
You left an indellible mark on us and you will never be forgotten in our hearts and in our minds.
God Bless,
Laura, Pete and Peter Andrew
Laura & Pete and Peter Andrew Avalos
sister and brother in law, and nephew
March 31, 2009
To my beloved Matthew:
Today is your birthday - 35 years old - I can only imagine..........
Your fishing pole hasn’t seen the ocean; your viola is silent except for a few plucks from me now and then; your shoes will never wear out; your varsity jacket hangs in the closet; your skis haven’t touched the snow on the slopes; the Masters Degree you earned gone unused; I ironed your favorite shirt......so many things left unfinished. Where is Orange Dog?
You will be forever young. I miss you, Matthew with a terrible ache in my heart.
I love you,
Mom
Remember this poem which was a constant fixture on the refrigerator for so so many years - now with a few added words here and there.
Reflections on a Son
I watched you with love
When you first saw light,
And walked with pain and joy
As I comforted you at night.
I healed all your hurts
With the magic of a kiss
And was there when you blew out
Your candles with a wish.
I loved everything you gave me
Even kisses through your dribbles,
And saw your great castles
And princes in your scribbles.
Bedtime was for stories
And many off-key songs
And reassurance of my love
When your brother came along.
I tucked you in each night
With Orange Dog by your side
Bearies and Ballons, and
Socks the Monkey along for the ride
We had our share of disagreements
Each thinking he was right,
But afterwards we’d crack a grin
And hug each other tight.
But I saw so much of you
That reflected a part of me
That I wondered how you’d turn out
And where your life would lead.
But no matter how you’ve grown
Or what you were be in the end
I know above all else
That you grew to be my friend.
XOXOXOXO
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda
March 30, 2009
We have not forgotten Matt! God Bless your family.
NJ Trooper
March 21, 2009
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys-
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee-
God wanted me now, he set me free.
Anonymous
March 18, 2009
Mother, please don’t
mourn for me;
I’m still here, though you
don’t see.
I’m right by your side each
night and day
And within your heart I
long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m
always near
I’m everything you feel,
see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll
never depart
As long as you keep me
alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of
your sight.
I’m the brightest star on a
summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your
reach.
I’m the warm, moist sand
when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves
when fall comes around
And the pure, white snow
that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of
which you are so fond.
The clear, cool water in a
quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom
you’ll see in the spring;
The first warm raindrop
that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light
when the sun starts to
shine.
And you’ll see that the face
in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking
there’s no one to love you,
You can talk to me through
the blue sky above you.
I’ll whisper my answer
through the leaves on the trees,
And you’ll feel my
presence in the soft
summer breeze.
I’m the hot, salty tears that
flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams
that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a
baby’s face.
Just look for me, Mommy,
I’m everyplace.
I love you mom,
Matthew
Anonymous
March 18, 2009
Lynn! I am sorry I didnt get to write on here on the 8th, but I know you know you still heard from me on that day. In speaking with you, I know the day does not get any easier for you and it saddens me to see your heart break. I know all too well your pain and mine has been 5 years. Unfortunately sweetheart, it doesnt get any better. You and Matt were so lucky to have found each other. Some people dont find the kind of love you two shared in a lifetime. You were the last person Matt loved and he chose you to spend his life with and he passed away a very happy man. That is one thing you can be thankful for from this tragedy. He did a job he loved and was married to a woman he loved. I know I said this to you before, but I wish I knew Matt! From all your stories he sounds like such a wonderful man. He is a hero and you now have such a special guardian angel in heaven always with you. I know no matter what you do or where you go in life, Matt never leaves you and you will always always love him. As always, I am thankful for our bond and our friendship and I will continue to ALWAYS be here for you.
xo, Denise
Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman
March 13, 2009
Dear Matthew:
You have not been forgotten. So many who knew you have taken such heartfelt steps to remember you. I was stopped by a Somerville Police Officer today. He knew you and went to the academy with Dave. He carries your mass card in his vest every day. I will never forget his kind words and the sincerity in his asking how we were doing. Such a gracious young man. Somerville Police should be proud to have such a fine young man on the force.
I wish you were here with all my heart and soul.
I love you still and always will,
Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
March 11, 2009
Matt: It's hard to believe that 3 years have gone by. I hope you're watching from above and know how much you are missed by all who knew and loved you. We think of you every single day, always with a wonderful memory. You made Lynn so happy and brought so much happiness to our family. May you continue to rest in peace, as we continue to honor and remember you. God Bless.
Laura & Pete Avalos
sister and brother in law
March 9, 2009
Matt,
I think about you each and every day, but especially so today. I hope you know what an incredible impact you have made upon all of us and although it was only for a short time, I am proud that you are part of our family. You have made my little sister the happiest person on earth. Please continue to watch over her and guide her as the pain has not ceased.
I only wish you were here today to see your nieces and nephews grow up. We continue to share stories to them about you and will forever remember you as a true gentleman and a hero. I miss you Matt!!!
Love,
Denise
Denise
sister-in-law
March 8, 2009
Dear Matt:
I just wanted to thank you on the anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten.
You are a very special person and I was blessed to know you.
I shall pray for your family on this special day and throughout the year to come.
Anonymous
March 8, 2009
Uncle Matt,
A day does not go by that we do not think about you. We really do miss you. You were so much fun and such a great Uncle. We wish we had more time with you. We hope that you really can hear us when we talk to you through our lights in our rooms. We know that you are watching over us and that you take care of us every day. We love you and miss you.
Love, Carly and Michael
Anonymous
March 8, 2009
Matt,
Thinking of you everytime I put the uniform on. Your friendship is always strong with me and you'll never be forgotten.
John
Officer John Bojtos
Friend, Colleague, Classmate 23-99
March 8, 2009
Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. May your memory continue to inspire and your spirit continue to soar.
To Matt's mom: I share your anquish in losing a beloved child and understand the meaning of a life forever altered.
From reading the many loving reflections, I can see that Matt was an amazing young man who is loved and missed by so many. I hold you in my heart's embrace today.
Rest In Peace, Matt.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 8, 2009
Matt,
I can't believe it's been 3 years. We miss you so much. I'm always reminded of you. So many little things and usually they always make me laugh :) Thanks for being here in spirit.
Your family is in my prayers today and always.
Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD
March 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.
James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 7, 2009
Dear Matt:
Missing you with an unending ache in my broken heart.
After three years the pain has not diminished but seems to
worsen with each day that passes.
I love you,
Mom
xoxoxoxoxo
To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children, to earn the
appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of
false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in
others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a
healthy child, a garden patch... to know even one life has
breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have
succeeded!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Anonymous
March 6, 2009
Hello Lynn....I just wanted to stop in on Matt's page and let you know that I am thinking of you as the 3rd anniversary passes you losing your husband. I check in on a few officer's pages every now and then that truly break my heart. Anyone can see how much you two loved each other by what your friends have said on here. You two were so blessed to have found each other and that type of love is rare. Please know that so many people are thinking of you and Matt.
Jennifer
citizen
Anonymous
March 5, 2009
Matt,
Soon it will be three years since I last heard your voice and not a single day goes by that I do not think of you. We shared so much in common....yet exactly how much I didn't realize until you were gone. I miss our converstaions about politics, music, current events, sports, food, wine and I especially miss how much we enjoyed teasing my sister....your mom....Jane.
Matt, you were a very special person....to me....your brother David and your mom. As we approach the third anniversary of your passing I want you to know you will always be in my heart and I pray each night that the day will come when we are together again. I love you and miss you Matt.
Uncle Ralph
Ralph J. Shenyo
Matthew's Uncle
March 4, 2009
Lynn, I am so proud of you! You are such a strong person and I don't know how you do it sometimes! I see myself in you in so many ways watching everything you have to go through since losing Matt. I just want to protect you from so much but I know you are such a strong person! It was so great seeing you again today! We always seem to pick up right where we left off! I love the time we get to spend together! Listening to you talk about Matt, I know he is always in your heart and NEVER will be forgotten. You ALWAYS have a friend in me and just remember a lot of what I said about what we talked about today and everytime we talk. xoxo Denise
Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman
March 1, 2009
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