Newark Cop Dies When Car Flips Over

[Resident Smart Ass]

Newark Cop Dies When Car Flips Over


Unfortunately I knew this cop and I had to cover his autopsy this morning. Please say a prayer for his family!

Thanks

[conalabu]

Jersey, prayers sent. Sorry about that, bud. Make sure his family knows they have our support.

[lewisipso]

Tough one brother. You have sympathy and prayers.

[cwtlady]

I'm so sorry to hear that. We'll keep you in mind.

[E-man]

Tears and thoughts from Eman.
RIP brother...

[Willowdared]

RIP

Thoughts and prayers enroute.

[Big Al]

Very unfortunate,, RIP

[Jenna]

Condolences. RIP.

[bird1]

prayers go out

[Buttercup]

Rip

[Roses]

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and well keep you and his family in my prayers.

[WyomingSunrise]

RIP, Thoughts and prayers...

[BEB]

RIP, and prayers for his wife and four kids

Hope you're doing ok too, njpd

[Resident Smart Ass]

Thanks guys!

It also turns out that his brother, a former cop, died about 2 months ago from a heart attack.

2 tragic losses in 2 months for his family.

Please keep those prayers going especially for his 4 beautiful children.

I will keep everyone updated on what will happen to the shitbird that caused this mess to begin with.

[10-42Adam]

Sorry to hear about this, may he RIP.

[Resident Smart Ass]

He came from a family of BLUE
______________________________ ___________________________
"He died on the streets he loved"
"Officer was devoted to his hometown, grieving siblings say"

Sunday, March 04, 2007
BY NAWAL QAROONI
Star-Ledger Staff

Growing up in Newark during the 1980s, Tommaso Popolizio watched as his city became ravaged by carjackings and crack cocaine.

The youngest of seven children in a tightknit Italian-American family, he wanted to change things, his family said. So in 1995, he joined the police department, becoming the first of three brothers to wear a badge and patrol the streets of their beloved hometown.

"My brothers wanted to make a difference. At least, they tried," said Angelo Popolizio, 41, the oldest of the Popolizio siblings said of brothers Tommaso, Nicola and Pasquale.

Tommaso Popolizio, a 33-year-old father of four, was killed in the line of duty early yesterday, when his car overturned while pursuing a suspect in the city's Ironbound section.

Family members gathered yesterday at the Roseland home of Popolizio's sister, Margherita, where they recalled their outgoing and amiable little brother, who grew into a broad-shouldered and decorated police sergeant.

They spoke of his honor and dedication, and lamented that he had died on the streets he had worked so hard to protect.

"We knew it was dangerous because we know how rough it is," said Angelo Popolizio, who lives in Pennsylvania. "Like everybody else who cares for their family, we were worried and concerned about them. But my brothers cared about changing the city."

Popolizio's parents, Nicola and Sarah, emigrated from Southern Italy in the late 1960s, eventually settling into a three-story home on Mount Pleasant Avenue in the city's North Ward. Sarah Popolizio died in 1990, but Nicola Popolizio, 75, still lives in the house, where the children all spoke Italian growing up.

Nicola Popolizio was the owner of Nicola's Restaurant and Bar on Mulberry Street in downtown Newark.

Tommaso, who graduated from the Newark Police Academy 12 years ago, lived on Mount Pleasant Avenue until 2005, when he moved to Roseland with his wife and children.

Carlos Soto, pastor of the Pentecostal Church-The Paradise, directly across the street from the Popolizios' childhood home, said the family often donated clothes, and recently a freezer, to the church.

"They're such a quiet, nice family," he said.

Tommaso Popolizio, who graduated from Barringer High School and studied accounting at Rutgers-Newark, enjoyed playing paintball and pool. Most of all, friends and family members said, he loved his children.

Popolizio's death comes as the family is still mourning the loss of their brother Nicola, 39, who died of a heart attack in December.

"I just lost one brother. Now to lose another, it's pretty tough," Angelo Popolizio said.

The other brother, 34-year-old Pasquale, is an eight-year veteran of the Newark department.

Raul Alvarez, who owns a bodega in the North Ward, said he has known the Popolizios for decades. He watched the seven children grow up and fondly remembers how Tommaso and his siblings would peer over the counter to buy bread, cheese and soda.

"They're so nice. Nobody has problems with them," said Alvarez, his red eyes brimming with tears.

A friend of Tommaso's, who identified himself only as Jose, said he first met Popolizio 10 years ago. He remembered him yesterday as a hardworking cop who, when possible, let motorists drive off with warnings instead of speeding tickets.

"He wasn't one of those hard cops," Jose said. "If he could cut you a break, he would."

The Popolizio family remains fiercely proud of Newark, despite the city's flaws, said Rosetta Tominovich, Popolizio's 34-year-old sister, who worked 13 years at University Hospital and now lives in Connecticut.

All her siblings, especially Tommaso, wanted to give something back to their hometown.

"He was proud of Newark, like a lot of us are," Tominovich said. "It's something you grow into. We love this city and really call it home."

[gozling]

I am so sorry for this loss ...
many thoughts of love to those whose lives he touched.

[Hawk1]

RIP brother

[Lo523]

Thoughts and prayers en route

[Resident Smart Ass]

Just want to let you know what I attended Sgt. Popolizio's funeral yesterday.

This was my 2nd fallen officers funeral and it just amazes me no matter the cold or the snow, the number of officers from all over, that attend this event. I was fortunate enough to be part of the procession.

Please continue to say a prayer for his wife and 4 young beautiful children and family and all the families of all of our fallen heroes.

thanks

www.newarkpd.org


look for video dated 3/7/07.."A somber gathering for former sgt



http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?se...cal&id=5098881