Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Sir... Proud to wear the same uniform as you did.

5159
NJSP

December 21, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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. He was also your brother in green as well so I bid you semper fi.

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

I try to leave reflections for officers as often as I can and am always saddend when I read family reflections, but today my cheeks are stained with tears as I read the loving reflections left by your family. Donna, thank you for sharing your love story with us. Sarah, thank you for sharing a daughter's devotion to her beloved father. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember this brave young man for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today. I hope our paths will cross someday.

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

December 21, 2011

God bless you may you rest in peace.

Lt J.P.
B.P.D.

December 21, 2011

30 years today. We will always remember your courageous service and sacrifice. You did not lose your life, you gave it in service to others. A true HERO. Your wonderful family is in my prayers today, as every day. Continue to look down on them as they look up to you. Trooper Lamonaco, Never Forgotten.

Jim Sweeney Civilian
Supporter

December 21, 2011

I remember Dec. 21 1981at 1630 hours verly clearly, like it was a day only yesterday. I was coming home from a friends house, just off of Hainesburg river road. When the news broke over the radio staion, that a trooper had been shot. The car that they had abandoned, was only 100's of yards, from my family's home. It was a very tense moment for everyone. I was so close to the area where the shooting occured, and my friends and family, we were all on full alert. This tradgedy, really has taken a hold of me in a way, i always find myself, revisiting the memorial, internet updates, and just imagining what it was like at 1630 hours 12/21/81, when Trooper Lamonaco made that final stop for his watch shift. Terrible situation. If i had only been closer, i perhaps could have come to his rescue. My blessing goes out to the Lamonaco family, in these revisiting times of the year.

Semper Fidelis, Trooper Lamonaco

Gysgt. USMC 2nd Ceb
Fellow Marine

December 16, 2011

God Bless you Phil and your family - 30 years have passed , yet we all recall that day in detail - and the days that followed...your leadership impacts the OUTFIT to this day. Thanks for "serving" and making our world a better place. Proud to be a fellow Jersey Trooper !

Trooper Robert J. Delaney #2853
New Jersey State Police

December 5, 2011

I cannot believe that it will be 30 years since you left us. I remember that day and the days that followed like it was yesterday. You were a mentor to so many of us, and hopefully we have followed your foot steps well. One of the things about you that I remember the most was that your family was everything to you. While others may say it was the job, I for one know how much you loved Donna and the Kids.
Thank you for the times we shared and for the lessons learned

Michael Polizzo
NJSP

September 7, 2011

Dear Trooper Lamonaco,
I was only twelve years old at the time of the incident in which you gave your life. However, I can recall that it was big news. My mother would watch the nightly news after she made dinner and I would be doing my homework nearby. In the days, months, and years that followed, I always remembered hearing the name of New Jersey State Trooper Philip Lamonaco.
Now, thirty years later, I can still recall the dark days that followed your death. But, thanks to your loving family and the ODMP, your spirit is alive and well. When I first discovered this website, your name was the first one I entered. I return periodically just to read the wonderful reflections left by your family and others who, like me, still remember the sacrifice you made on that first day of Winter, 1981.

A.J. DiStefano
Allentown, Pennsylvania

September 1, 2011

Hi Trooper Phil,

After visiting my girlfriend in NJ, I often pass by the site where you left us on my return trip to PA. I didn't know you and you didn't know me. I remember your EOW. You were only a couple years older than me. Last Tuesday, as I came through the Water Gap, I stopped to visit your memorial along I80 for the first time. There was a small stone memorial there from one of your children. I don't have kids, but I cried when I saw that stone. God bless you and your family. May they find comfort knowing you touched the life of a complete stranger.

Bob from Wayne County PA

Bob
from Pennsylvania

August 17, 2011

May God Rest your Soul for all your wondrous works in law enforcement. Your name shall never be forgotten.

Alexander Balaban

March 8, 2011

To Trooper Lamonaco's loved ones:
My partner and I were involved, in a small way, in the investigation of this case and the apprehension of those convicted.

The passing of time has not diminsished the intensity of feelings - my heart goes out to you.

Det. Rod Goelz (retired)
Delaware (Ohio) Police Department

February 28, 2011

Although we did not know each other very well, his honor, presence, and dedication to duty has left a mark on my life that has lasted and will continue to last. I think of him and speak of him often. This memorial is on my office wall for all to see. He is super trooper and a member of a great Police organization.

Rocky Parisi , Sergeant Retired
Paterson N.J.

February 4, 2011

Hi sweetheart, well the Holidays or the most difficult ones, are over...it was good, spent time with Andrews family and then mine.as I carried you in my heart everywhere I went. This is the most lonliness time for me, no matter how many are around me, it's your warmth and love that I miss and but our love gets me through every step that I take. I love you so much my sweetheart and will always. Our Project Blue Light, tree lighting was fabulous over 75 people were there and the tree is now in the Park at Belvidere. I love you and will hold you deeply within my heart and soul.
Your little Patuch

Donna

December 28, 2010

Trooper Lamonaco....As we reflect today, we are reminded of the dangers all of our police officers face each day. You, through the years, have served as an inspiration to so many by way of your wonderful wife Donna, your very sweet daughter Sarah, BRAVE son Michael and the rest of your family, who never stop keeping your memory alive.
I take a moment today to say a prayer for those, and to remember you. You served us well protecting us. I thank you for that. You, a true HERO, gave your life to keep us safe from evil. For that, you will never be forgotten.
Continue watching over your family and all of our police officers who continue on protecting us.
I cannot make it today to the "site" as I have meetings at work. But that does not stop me from taking this day to remember you. I never pass by there without stopping to honor you.

Sarah, congratulations to you and your fiance! I am so happy you have found your happiness. The best of luck to you both! Please say HI to your mom and I hope all is well.

Trooper Lamonaco...NEVER FORGOTTEN

Jim Sweeney
Civilian

December 21, 2010

Donna and family

Just wanted u to know that you are in my thoughts today, and in my prayers. I have not been able to get to NPW since 2003, really miss seeing u there each May. Stay safe.

Howard Cooke
Maine DPS/BLE (ret)

December 21, 2010

You will never be forgotten even as the years have gone by. Keep watching over your family as they miss you more and more every day...

Anonymous

December 21, 2010

Hi Daddy,
It is this time of year again. A day that I hate to come around. I am reminded everyday what I have lost on the day you lost your life. I know you look down on me and I hope you are proud of the person I have become. Oct 1,2011 will be the day I get married and I wish more then anything you would be the person walking me down to the path of my new life. I know you will be looking down on me but if I could just have you be there for one second it would truly be amazing. I miss you so much. It is hard to belive that I can feel so close to you, knowing that I only had you present in my life for only a short 10 months. I can not wait until I meet you again. I am taking care of Mommy the best I can, know I do everything to make sure she is taken care of and to make sure she is ok. As I visit the spot you gave your life and the place where you rest in peace tomorrow, know I will always remember you and never forget you. I am so proud to be your daughter. Look down on me as I look up to you. I love you with all my heart.
Your little Sunny

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

December 20, 2010

I am retired from the Cedar Grove PD since Jan 1996.
As a result of trooper Lamonaco's assasination, Many PDs
in the state switched over from revolvers to automatic hand
guns (including Cedar Grove).
I still have a picture of Trooper Lamonaco (which I received from his wife), which I caried as a reminder to be extra cautious on motor vehicle stops.
It was nice to see that his son has joined the NJSP.

Lt Russ Van Zile, Retired
Cedar Grove PD (Essex County)

December 3, 2010

Daddy,
Hi Dad, I am sure you heard the news ANDREW AND I GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!! It is a bitter sweet daY, I will be so happy on that day, yet one major part is missing and that is you. Dont worry I will be honoring you that day and I know you will be with me durin the celebration.Many of changes are happening but they are all good ones. It is the middle of November already and Christmas is right around the cornor.We will be spending Christmas Eve at Grandma's again, we always have a blast there. LOL!!! She is so funny. I will also be spending the night at home with Mommy and then returning to my house Xmas day to be with Andrew. I just wanted to stop in and tell you the good news!! I love you so much.
Love Your little Girl
Sarah. <3

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

November 23, 2010

Phil was a great friend at Roselle Park high. I was thinking of him and the good times we had .I just wanted to he is missed and thought of. His Friend Dennis Hewison

dennis hewison
Friend

November 6, 2010

Daddy, Hey Daddy! How are you doing? The time is flying by. It is already Oct 22,2010. I am sure you know and were looking over me during the special time in my life but Andrew and I got engaged!!!!!!! We are so happy. In a way I feel you brought us together, we meet because of you!!!. We are all so happy. I wish more then anything you were here to walk next to me that day! I have a special thing that I will be doing to honor you during "our walk",but it won't be the same as you being here for me during this important day. I am reminded of your absence everyday but we will be together forever one day. I love you so much and I think about you everyday!! <3 always in my heart.
Love your little Sunny
Sarah

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter

October 22, 2010

I thought of you so much yesterday. Beautiful fall day just the way you loved it. I pictured you in your flannel shirt, cutting firewood and playing with the children. Mostly I pictured us taking our drives to New England states for the fooliage...Oh how I miss you.

So I decided to go to the cementery and your site at Route 80. I planted some beautiful colorful mums and placed pumpkins alongside your headstone and the rock. As I drove to both places I savered the memories of the day and reflected back to our days together and pictured by my side. The clear blue sky, autumn trees just beginning their colors and us...oh how my heart cried yesterday for wanting you with me...instead I, alone, tried to make you special places here...a fall tribute to your favorite time of the year.

Once again, i find my love for you surfacing with great memories...oh thank you for giving me those great moments for it is now when I need them the most. I'm alone now, all the children are gone and I sit often thinking of US how it was and how it could have been and I'm so thankful for the short but wonderful time we had together and will never forget. My Love in my heart you will stay until we meet.

I Love You...Patuch

Wife - Donna

October 11, 2010

I had the opporitunity to visit the sacred ground which is now the memorial. I secured a patch of my agency to the ground with a rock. If a member of the family wishes to take it with them on their next visit, it is yours. Know that Trooper Lamonaco will always be a hero to me, even though I was only a kid when he died. Rest in Peace, Sir, and may the Lord continue to watch over your family, and your extended family in uniform.

Anonymous

September 3, 2010

Hi Daddy,
So we are back from D.C. another year we go and remember you and all that you have gave for all of us. Andrew did the Unity Tour for you and he did a great job. He didnt stop once and it was Amazing to watch him ride past your name on that wall.
Mommy and I went to the cemetary and the memorial to clean it all you and look good for Memorial day. It was so hot our but it was well worth it. It looks so good.
Mommmy is doing well as I am, just keep watching over us and know that we love you and miss you so much. I will write you soon Daddy. LOOK DOWN ON ME AS I LOOK UP TO YOU!
Love your Little Girl
Sarah

Sarah Lamonaco
Proud Daughter.

June 3, 2010

You and all of your loved ones are in my thoughts on this special day, Police Officer Memorial Day. Continue to watch over all of them.
"If people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever." by Albert Pike

You will never be forgotten

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2010