Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you today dear friend. 54 years gone, yet still in our hearts. We went through a lot together, always a joy being with you. You are in a better place with the Lord and your loved ones. Miss you and think of you often.

Patrolman Charles Greene
NYPD & SCPD

September 23, 2024

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 23, 2020

Patrolman Paolillo,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 23, 2020

I just happened upon this site and feel remiss in not having expressed my feelings about Mike all these years. It will be 50 years this September when I last spoke to Mike, with whom I worked in the 42. As I recall it was in the Piccadilly Bar across from the precinct and he was expressing his thoughts about his transfer from the 42 to BCI. I believe it was the next day as I was riding patrol with P.O.Bill Harrison that the news of Mike's encounter and passing was transmitted over the RMP radio. Words cannot express the shock and sorrow I felt at that moment which still remain with me to this day. Standing guard and at attention in uniform beside his coffin with PO Frank Viggiano, with whom I still socialize , was an honor. His family, especially those who never had the privilege to meet him, should always be proud of his courage, service and devotion to making the City a better place.

Sgt. Victor Vincenzi
N.Y.P.D. 1968-1989

March 24, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Paolillo.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

September 26, 2017

Today is Mike PAOLILLOs Birthday!!
Today as always I will Celebrate my Brother Mike's Birthday.

The two most important date's in my life are August 13,1947 and Sept. 23,1970
I will never forget Michael as long as I live.

Robert Paolillo
Brother

August 13, 2017

RIP I didn't know him I was only two days old at the time but my brother in-law is retired NYPD.

MGysgt Greene
USMC

May 6, 2017

Thank you Christian Durante.
Officer Michael W PAOLILLO is my Younger Brother, I miss him every day since that horrible incident. The person responsible for my Brothers Death has Passed away in Prison about one Year ago. I never have to worry that Animal will walk out of Prison!!
Again thank you for your kindness.
God Bless
Ernest R Paolillo

ERNEST R PAOLILLO
Brother

September 23, 2016

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be remembered and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion in their loving reflections.

Rest In Peace

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

September 23, 2012

we walked the streets of the 42 together and always looked out for each other. I will be looking out on May 12, 2012.

Det. Sergeant Frank Viggiano Ret.
N.Y.P.D. Partner

December 29, 2011

I love that your family still honours you here. It warms my heart to see all of their loving reflections.

Obviously I don't have to say, you are not forgotten.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 24, 2011

Never forgotten brave Warrior. Be at Peace mate.

Senior Constable
South Australia Police

January 22, 2010

A few weeks ago, my Aunt Jean, sister to Michael, told me of this site and asked me to post a note. I did not know personally of my Uncle Michael, actually my Uncle had past away six years before I was born, but still to this day I hear many stories of his being a genuine man.

I do recall as a child growing up, hearing many wild, humorous, and caring stories of my Uncle, most times while in the car with my grandparents on the way to and from. At times I voluntarily accompanied my Grandmother to his and my Grandfather’s final resting place in Millville NJ. As the years past, and although my Grandmother needed to move from New Jersey to Ohio, she never missed a year to care for their grave sites.

My Grandmother visited New Jersey as often as she could for many years, in doing so, and without the availably of local transportation, I always looked forward to our drives South to visit her Son, Husband, Brothers and Mother. During one of our last trips together, before she past on herself, I made her a promise to continue making wreaths and delivering them to her Mother, Brothers, Husband, and most especially Son Michael.

Personally as a parent of three, two girls, and one boy, for I believe the loss of a child, no matter what age, could only be classified as horrific. Maria Robinson once quoted, genuinely, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” On 30 June 2005, my wife Linda and I named our 2nd child, and only Son, Paul Michael Paolillo, for we call him Michael every day in honor of my Uncle’s genuine memory.

Rest in piece: Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Michael
Love always, your Grandson/Nephew, Paulie.

Paul William Paolillo
Nephew

Paul Paolillo
Nephew

June 9, 2008

To my brother, I think of you every day. I remember how loving and caring you were. How I looked forward to you coming home from the city. You always made time for me ( and spoiled me when ma said no). It was your arms I ran to to play, talk, fix things or just a hug. It was your hearty appetite and ma that inspired me to cook as I do. The way you loved ma's homemade peppers, grape jelly and lasagna. I know you're with Ma, Daddy and our son Erich Michael. It's comforting to know that Erich has his Uncle watching over him. I miss you with a heart and a half. I love you. Your sister Chickie

Jean Marie Paolillo Schulze
sister

February 4, 2008

My brother was an exceptional person and was loved by all that knew him. He and I were very close, Michael taught me how to drive, shoot a gun and he even practiced his self-defense lessons on me when he was in the academy. What may seem silly to others is a very fond memory for me. He was extremely gentle and loving to our entire family. He was a compassionate man and a good son to his parents.

A Christmas never went by without him trying his best to surprise us all and just 'show up' at the last minute. He will always be in my heart and sadly missed.

His Loving Sister,
BaBoots

Barbara Ann Paolillo Hoover
Sister

February 1, 2008

Mike , we still think of you , I hope your with Mom & Dad.
I miss you .

Paul Paolillo
Brother

February 1, 2008

On this day I thank God for the life, service, dedication, and courage of Patrolman Michael W. Paolillo. He is gone but not forgotten. He lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, department, and every LEO who carries on his legacy of service.

A Grateful Citizen

December 23, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 20, 2007

Michael was my best friend in the department. We stated as Trainees and moved on to become Patrolman. Mike loved the job and was very dedacated to the job and the people of new york. His loss was one that can never be replaced. " The blue knight, nobelest Knight of all"

As always your friend
Rich (frenchie)

Police Officer Richmond Coombs Retired
N.Y.C. Police Department

October 16, 2007

Mike was a great guy and we will never forget him.

Richmond & Jean Coombs

Friends

October 15, 2007

It is such a shame to read this story. He was so young. It has truly touched my heart. May God be with this family... and may he rest in peace!
apd

nc police

September 16, 2006

Receiving the NYPD Medal Of Honor shows everyone, What I always knew.
You are truly one of New Yorks Finest!

Ernest Robert Paolillo Brother

October 25, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace.

June 5, 2004