MA Correctional Officer Dies Of Complications From COVID-19

SAUGUS, MA — The Essex County Sheriff's Department announced the death of a correctional officer of complications from COVID-19.

Anthony Pasquarello, of Saugus, died Dec. 9 at the age of 37. He is survived by his parents Mario and Norine, 6-year-old son Vincent, fiancée Rio Joyce Mendoza, sisters Maria and LisaMarie and several aunts and uncles.

Pasquarello was a 15-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff's Department.

"Officer Pasquarello was a courageous, dedicated member of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department who served with great distinction, and we are simply devastated by his passing," Essex Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said in a statement. "His service to our department, as well as the good people of Essex County, will always be honored and remembered. We pray for his family during this very difficult time, as well as for his brothers and sisters at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, who are in great mourning over his passing."

The Essex County Sheriff's Department was joined by the Massachusetts State Police and local police departments at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington Friday morning, where they escorted the body of Pasquarello to the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield.

Pasquarello's family joined members of the Essex County Sheriff's Department for a candlelight vigil in his honor Friday afternoon at the Essex County Jail and House of Correction, 20 Manning Avenue, Middleton.