Mourning For Former Montclair Police Chief Continues: Thomas Russo

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A late Montclair resident who served for more than four decades on the local police force continues to be mourned in the township.

During Tuesday’s town council meeting, a moment of reflection was offered for Thomas J. Russo, who died at the age of 86 on Dec. 7.

Russo – a lifelong Montclair resident – began his police career as a beat cop at the Montclair Police Department in 1960. He eventually rose to become police chief, a position he held for eight years.

According to an obituary from Caggiano Memorial:

“Born on April 8, 1937, in Montclair, he grew up in a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood in the 4th Ward. He attended Montclair High School where he excelled at football, basketball and baseball. Seven days after graduating from high school he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Dash MSO 428. When his tour of duty ended in 1959, he returned home and met his future wife Imelda (“Mel”). On November 4, 1962, he married his beloved Mel. He began his police career as a beat cop at the Montclair Police Department in 1960. He rose through the ranks and served over 40 years on the Township of Montclair Police Department. He was a Superior Officer for over 25 years, the last 8 years as Chief of Police. Upon retiring from Chief, he was appointed as Director of Public Safety. He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association in Washington, D.C. and the Secret Service Dignitary Protection Program in Washington, D.C. He is also a proud graduate of Montclair State University which he attended much later in life, and which took him 8 years to achieve his Bachelor of Science Degree. His proudest achievement was his family whom he loved more than anything in the world.”

After his passing, the MPD’s current chief, Todd Conforti, said the department was saddened by the news, and will remember his “dedication and service” to the town he grew up in.

That sentiment was repeated by Montclair councilman Robert Russo at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Russo – who isn’t related to the departed former police chief – said he and fellow councilman Roger Terry attended the funeral, taking a proclamation along that other council members signed (watch the video below, cued to Russo’s comments).

Councilwoman Robin Schlager also offered her condolences at Tuesday’s meeting.

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