Watchung Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Matthew J. Melchionda
March 31, 2016
31 birthdays with you was not enough
10 birthdays without you is too many.
I am eternally grateful to you for making me a mother for the first time and making my job so easy and rewarding.
I miss you my beautiful son,
Loving you always ~ Mom
Matthew's mom
MOM
April 1, 2016
My Dearest Matthew:
It just cannot be ten years. Each morning I try to figure out how to get through the day, and I do somehow, and then suddenly a year has passed and then another and now ten years later, it still feels like this terrible tragedy happened to our family just yesterday. I will never stop missing you and your smile. You were a wonderful son to me. Someone commented that I did good a good job raising such a wonderful young man. You made my job easy. I love you with all my heart and soul and will until we meet again.
Love,
Mom
xoxo
Matthew's mom
MOM
March 9, 2016
Remembering you today and I'm proud to be part of a department dedicated to keeping your legacy alive.
Patrolman Jason Moberly
Watchung
March 9, 2016
What the Heart Cannot Forget
Everything remembers something. The rock, its fiery bed,
cooling and fissuring into cracked pieces, the rub
of watery fingers along its edge.
The cloud remembers being elephant, camel, giraffe,
remembers being a veil over the face of the sun,
gathering itself together for the fall.
The turtle remembers the sea, sliding over and under
its belly, remembers legs like wings, escaping down
the sand under the beaks of savage birds.
The tree remembers the story of each ring, the years
of drought, the floods, the way things came
walking slowly towards it long ago.
And the skin remembers its scars, and the bone aches
where it was broken. The feet remember the dance,
and the arms remember lifting up the child.
The heart remembers everything it loved and gave away,
everything it lost and found again, and everyone
it loved, the heart cannot forget.
Never ever forgotten my sweet son. xoxo
Jane Melchionda
Matt's Mom
November 26, 2015
Matthew, I missed you even more than usual on my birthday. You always sent the most wonderful cards. Always some special notes which I have saved over the years. You left us with so much but it is just never enough for me. Loving and missing you always, MoM
Jane Melchionda
Matt's Mom
October 1, 2015
The greatest loss is that of a child, for they can never be replaced. Prayers for your strength and know that he is with you in spirit.
Anonymous
July 28, 2015
Thinking of you today and about how much has changed since your passing. You are remembered for all the ways you made us feel special and continue to be an inspiration with the memories we have have of you.
Anonymous
July 28, 2015
Mrs. Melchionda, we don't know each other but I pray for you and your dear son Matthew. So terribly sorry for your loss. I can only imagine that it never gets easier. I believe that you will see him again someday. Please know that you and your son are thought of, with respect, gratitude and sorrow.
Ilona Allen
with gratitude to our officers and their families
May 21, 2015
Dear Matt:
Missing you on what would have been #41. I can't help but wonder what you would look like. Would your hair be getting gray, would you still have that great smile and hearty laugh, would your eyes still twinkle when you smiled......you will be forever young my son.
Bitter/sweet day my love xoxo
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda - Watchung, NJ
March 31, 2015
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten Matt. I think of you often while on the road. May you rest in peace.
Sgt Al Sellinger
Scotch Plains Police Dept
March 9, 2015
To Matthew, your never going to be forgotten. Rest in peace sir. To Mathews family your forever in our hearts as we continue to remember fallen brothers and sisters on the thin blue line. Your lives have been forever changed.
Sergeant J. Mellott B0058
MCSO
March 8, 2015
It is difficult to believe nine years have passed by without hearing your voice or seeing your beautiful smile. I am missing you more than ever. Since I cannot hold you in my arms, I hold you in my heart my son.
Loving you always and always,
Mom
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda - Watchung, NJ
March 8, 2015
A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.
Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.
March 8, 2015
cc
What the Heart Cannot Forget
by Joyce Sutphen
Everything remembers something. The rock, its fiery bed,
cooling and fissuring into cracked pieces, the rub
of watery fingers along its edge.
The cloud remembers being elephant, camel, giraffe,
remembers being a veil over the face of the sun,
gathering itself together for the fall.
The turtle remembers the sea, sliding over and under
its belly, remembers legs like wings, escaping down
the sand under the beaks of savage birds.
The tree remembers the story of each ring, the years
of drought, the floods, the way things came
walking slowly towards it long ago.
And the skin remembers its scars, and the bone aches
where it was broken. The feet remember the dance,
and the arms remember lifting up the child.
The heart remembers everything it loved and gave away,
everything it lost and found again, and everyone
it loved, the heart cannot forget.
NEVER FORGOTTEN AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART. XO
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda - Watchung, NJ
January 11, 2015
Always the same wishing you were here.
Thinking of you with love,
Mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda - Watchung, NJ
December 27, 2014
Matt: You are not forgotten. You are never far from our thoughts every minute of every day. We spoke your name many times on Thanksgiving, remembering times gone by. Always wishing you were here with us.....you are with us in spirit. I suppose that we have to settle for that small fraction of consolation. I hold you in my heart forever. Missing you my beautiful son.
Love you always, Mom xoxo
Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda - Watchung, NJ
December 1, 2014
I met your uncle at a motorcycle event in honor of my brother, David Petzold. His E.O.W. is 11/9/2006. Your uncle rides with a group.. The Vietnam Knights of America and every year they present my mom with a check for our charity and a hug from each of them and we are so humbled and honored. We realized this year that you wore the same badge # as David, you died the same year and your are loved and missed as much as we love and miss David. I also know Jeanne Marie from the Unity Tour... as I ride each year also. This year I hope you don't mind if I ride for you and my brother, to honor and remember you as your family honors David for us. Thank you Sir, for your service and your sacrifice. God Bless your family and friends because I know very well that no matter how much time passes, you are missed as much, maybe even more then ever.
Christine Ross
Sister of Officer David M. Petzold, E.O.W. 11/09/06
October 15, 2014
I am not Gone
I remain here beside you
Just in a different form
Look for me in your heart
And there you will find me
in our love which forever lives on
In those moments when you feel alone
Look for me in your thoughts
And there you will find me
in sweet memories that burn strong
Every time a tear
Forms in your beautiful eyes
Look up to the heavens
And there you will see me
Smiling down from the glorious skies
I am missing you so every day but today when I blow out the candles, my wish will be the same as it is every day.
I love you always and forever, Mom
Every year always the same ~~
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
September 29, 2014
I MISS YOU MATTHEW XOXOXOXO
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
June 20, 2014
Matt!! The Police Unity Tour 2014 is nearing Washington, DC and the Law Enforcement Memorial. Many in the sea of blue are riding in your memory. It is so good to know that you are not forgotten and never will be. My broken heart is filled with gratitude to those who ride their bikes from New Jersey to D.C. JeanneMarie Mocarski, Alex McKnight and Chris Richardson just to name a few. But then you might be looking down and smiling and pulling some strings to keep the rain away. I miss you and your beautiful smile.
All my love,
MoM xoxo
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
May 10, 2014
March 31, 1974
I remember every moment on that day like it was yesterday. How thrilled I was to become a Mommy for the first time. You were placed in my arms and I held you for nearly 32 years. It seems impossible that it was 40 years ago. You were an absolute JOY!!
All my love ~~~~ Mom
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
April 2, 2014
The Mention of His Name
The mention of my child's name
...May bring tears to my eyes,
But it never fails to bring
Music to my ears.
If you are really my friend,
Let me hear the beautiful music of his name.
It soothes my broken heart
And sings to my soul.
Love you always MATTHEW and missing you for these eight long years xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
March 7, 2014
To my beloved Matthew:
It is difficult to describe the empty space in my heart that is filled with love for you. Your presence is replaced by memories, wonderful memories of the days of your life. Memories are just not enough bringing a smile and a tear all at the same time. Christmas will never be the same. Number Eight is no different from the others.
Still desperately missing you.
Loving you always xoxoxoxoxo
Mom
Jane Melchionda
Mathhew's Mom
December 24, 2013
Thanksgiving without you at the table. We will remember how much you enjoyed the turkey and all that goes with it. We will remember your smile and whit, the sound of your voice and laughter, how much you loved us all and never missed an opportunity to tell us so. We miss you Matthew and love you still. Nothing is the same without you. I would give anything for one more day. xoxoxoxo
Jane Melchionda
Mathhew's Mom
November 27, 2013
My Matthew:
Another birthday without you. Always the same yearning to have you here smiling and enjoying your life which was magnificent. You brought me great joy my love.
Loving you always,
Mom xoxoxo
Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom
September 30, 2013