Longtime RVC Resident, Veteran NYPD Cop, Union Leader, Dies At 83

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — A longtime resident of Rockville Centre, who was an NYPD cop and become known for his strong stance with police unions, died. He was 83.

Matarazzo lived in Rockville Centre for nearly a half-century with his wife Frances and raised their five children.

Matarazzo was a member of the NYPD for more than 35 years, and for 31 of those years, he served in different roles with the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (now known as the Police Benevolent Association).

Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton tweeted, "I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and professional colleague."

They first met in 1994 when Bratton became commissioner for the first time and Matarazzo was president of the PBA.

"[He] was one of the finest union leaders and advocates who I had the pleasure of dealing with during my 50-year law enforcement career," Bratton added.

Afternoon and evening viewings will take place at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Thursday. The funeral is at the cathedral at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Matarazzo died Sunday from a liver ailment.