Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Stroba, it has been 62 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 4 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

August 6, 2024

Trooper Stroba, it has been 61 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

August 6, 2023

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

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

August 6, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Stoba.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2019

My Father was your best friend. I was only 5 years old when I remember hearing about this tragedy. You were never forgotten, and through the years my Father and Mother would honor your memory by telling not only the tragedy of your death, but the story of you. You were a good friend, a great man and they missed you terribly. My Mom is now 91and Dad has passed, but she remembers you to this day, and talks about the wonderful person you were. You made a great impact on many in the short time you were with us. My Dad had long ago moved us to Florida, but Joe you will always be remembered in our family as we have passed down your legacy to our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Diane Breen (Shoneck)
Friend

January 15, 2018

My Father was your best friend. I was only 5 years old when I remember hearing about this tragedy. You were never forgotten, and through the years my Father and Mother would honor your memory by telling not only the tragedy of your death, but the story of you. You were a good friend, a great man and they missed you terribly. My Mom is now 91and Dad has passed, but she remembers you to this day, and talks about the wonderful person you were. You made a great impact on many in the short time you were with us. My Dad had long ago moved us to Florida, but Joe you will always be remembered in our family as we have passed down your legacy to our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Diane Breen (Shoneck)
Friend

January 15, 2018

I was a student at the University of Connecticut in 1961. I started to drive home one Friday morning after a heavy snowfall the previous night. A state employee had been plowing all night and stopped for a couple of drinks before heading home. He lost control of his car and broadsided me. I wasn't hurt but the car was totaled. Trooper Stoba responded to the call. I was waiting at a local gas station and the owner had recognized the driver. So Stoba took me with him and went to the home of this guy to get him while he was still under the influence. Once back at the office Stoba went out of his way to help me including driving me to a location where I could catch a bus. A few months later I appeared in court. Stoba had briefed me on how to handle myself and answer the lawyer's questions. The plow driver lost his license. Several months later I was commissioned in the Air Force and went overseas. My mother wrote and told me about Joe Stoba's death. That was a real shame. He was the second trooper I had known but the first to lose his life in the line of duty.

Capt Welles Brandriff
USAF officer and Vietnam vet

December 14, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 51rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

It has been 50 years brother and your sacrafice is not forgotten. Your memory is carried with every Trooper who wears the CSP Patch.

Len Widener
Connecticut State Police

July 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Trooper Stoba. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 1, 2012

I clearly recall the date and incident, even though I was only ten years old at the time. My father (Sgt. Ernest K. Schrader) was also assigned to Troop K as a supervisor at the time with the call sign 3-K. I remember him talking to us when he got home after responding to the incident. I remember his using words like honor, trust, integrity and sacrifice. I was old enough to understand that it could have been my own father who responded to the call, and that the result would have been the same. It made such an impression that I also chose to serve the public in the criminal justice field. Even in sacrifice, hope becomes instilled for the future.

John F. Schrader
Son a Connecticut State Trooper

June 12, 2007

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. You will live forever in those who knew you.

Trooper

November 16, 2006

You past on 5 days before my birth in the same great state of Connecticut. Now I am a law enforcement officer and carry on the same honor you have so sacraficed. Thank Trooper Stoba.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District

June 9, 2006

Joe was my husband's cousin, at the time of his death. He was a wonderful man. I remember him being the last to leave my son's Baptism. He helped me get my Ct. driver's license. Everyone loved him. He was a fine son, and brother, to his sister, Caroline, and a wonderful cousin and friend. May he always rest in peace. I will never forget him. He was the nicest man I have ever met.

Lucia Tempe

December 20, 2004

Rest in peace Joe, you are and will always be deeply missed...

a family member

December 19, 2004

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. You are a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. God bless you and the surviving members of your family.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

July 19, 2004