Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Beloved Matthew:

It is very difficult for me to grasp that this is the fourth Christmas we are spending without you. It just doesn’t seem possible. I still want to shop for presents for you and make your favorite meals. I remember how much you loved Christmas Eve and all the different fish. I am thinking of all these things as I try to go on without you. I miss your hugs and smile, your laugh and the sound of your voice. I miss you in the way only a mother who has lost a child can know. I still ask the question, “Why?” but there is never any answer. Your brother, your dad and I miss you and love you more than words can say. We have nearly thirty-two years of memories which must keep us going. Memories of decorating the tree, building snowmen, excited Christmas mornings, opening gifts, visiting with family, and so much more.

You are in my thoughts every second of every minute of every day. My heart is forever broken.

With love beyond words,

Mom
XOXOXOXO

If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven
and bring you back again.

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

December 21, 2009

The soul would have no rainbow had the eye no tear.

Anonymous

December 11, 2009

Matt,
Well, everyone is rushing around getting ready for Christmas...shopping, decorating, party hopping, etc. I just wanted to let you know that while it is all too easy to get caught up in all the hoopla, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. L asks about you a lot and I continue to tell her what a witty, humorous, and handsome man you were. I miss you, Matt!!! Merry Christmas!!
XOXOX to heaven
Love,
Denise

Denise Bonczek

December 5, 2009

Officer Melchionda...I will always remember your ultimate sacrifice. It was an honor to ride for you in the 2006 Cross Country Police Unity Tour. Rest in peace.

Ptl. Robert Stober
Branchburg Police Dept (NJ)

December 1, 2009

Matthew:

Missing you on yet another Thanksgiving. We celebrate with heavy hearts remembering how much you enjoyed the turkey and all the trimmings. Even when you needed to leave to work nights, you always came for turkey. I would give anything to have you back. We all love you and will never ever forget you.

Always with my love,

Mom
XOXOXOXOXOXO

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

November 25, 2009

Matthew:

I miss you so. More than words can say.

With all my love,

Mom

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

November 9, 2009

This is my third birthday without you. It just doesn't seem right. You should be here and I there. I miss you my son. I don't have a lesson plan for this. Just wingng it. I miss the funny cards you always sent and the ever-present "quotes from Matt". What am I to do?

XXXXXOOOOO
MOM

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

September 30, 2009

Matt,

We lost another Brother tonight. Getting my dress uniform together for another good bye hurts so much. I know you will welcome him.
You are never forgotten, Matt. I just joked the other day about trying to find the words for a report. It's not the same without my dictionary man!

Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD

September 12, 2009

My Beloved Matthew:

Nothing in this life is the same without you. I miss you more than words can say. I always felt so lucky to have such wonderful loving sons. I just don't understand why such a beautiful, intelligent, caring human being could be taken away. Not even an opportunity to say good bye.

I will ALWAYS love you with all my heart.

Mommy
XXXXXXOOOOOO

P.S. Thank you to all those who leave such heartfelt reflections here. It is good to know that Matt is not forgotten. He is so worth remembering.

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

August 24, 2009

Matt,

Night shift isn't the same without you but I know you are out there with us. You are always remembered with a smile. It's truly amazing how many people you have touched. We are keeping the memories alive, Matt. We really are.

Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD

June 9, 2009

Matthew:

Today is Dave and Sherry's Fourth Anniversary. I remember so well the toast you gave at their wedding. We are thinking of you always,remembering and missing you so.

Love you with all my heart,

MOM

Jane Melchionda
MOM

June 3, 2009

ALWAYS REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN, TODAY AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

WITH LOVE BEYOND WORDS,

MOM

X0X0

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

May 25, 2009

dear matt.
I have not seen you in years nor talked to you I cant believe your gone. When i found this online i didnt want to believe it was true. i remember all the thanksgivings me and gram came to your house and the summer visits so i could swim in the pool. i was young then and never got a chance to tell you how much i looked up to you and dave as cousins. i love you and miss you dearly with all my heart.

rianna martini
cousin

May 24, 2009

Matthew, I am missing you so.

I love you,

Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

May 7, 2009

Matthew:

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of so many Easters when you and Dave indulged me in the hunt for Easter eggs. Even when you guys grew into men, and protested, you still competed to see who could find the most eggs. I know it was just for my benefit in the later years but it made my heart sing. I miss those days so terribly. Holidays will just never be the same without you.

We miss you, Matthew.

Love,

Mom

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

April 9, 2009

We're thinking of you on your birthday, Matt. We miss you every day and hope you are watching from Heaven, knowing all of the ways you have been honored and remembered.

You left an indellible mark on us and you will never be forgotten in our hearts and in our minds.

God Bless,
Laura, Pete and Peter Andrew

Laura & Pete and Peter Andrew Avalos
sister and brother in law, and nephew

March 31, 2009

To my beloved Matthew:

Today is your birthday - 35 years old - I can only imagine..........

Your fishing pole hasn’t seen the ocean; your viola is silent except for a few plucks from me now and then; your shoes will never wear out; your varsity jacket hangs in the closet; your skis haven’t touched the snow on the slopes; the Masters Degree you earned gone unused; I ironed your favorite shirt......so many things left unfinished. Where is Orange Dog?

You will be forever young. I miss you, Matthew with a terrible ache in my heart.

I love you,

Mom


Remember this poem which was a constant fixture on the refrigerator for so so many years - now with a few added words here and there.


Reflections on a Son

I watched you with love
When you first saw light,
And walked with pain and joy
As I comforted you at night.

I healed all your hurts
With the magic of a kiss
And was there when you blew out
Your candles with a wish.

I loved everything you gave me
Even kisses through your dribbles,
And saw your great castles
And princes in your scribbles.

Bedtime was for stories
And many off-key songs
And reassurance of my love
When your brother came along.

I tucked you in each night
With Orange Dog by your side
Bearies and Ballons, and
Socks the Monkey along for the ride

We had our share of disagreements
Each thinking he was right,
But afterwards we’d crack a grin
And hug each other tight.

But I saw so much of you
That reflected a part of me
That I wondered how you’d turn out
And where your life would lead.

But no matter how you’ve grown
Or what you were be in the end
I know above all else
That you grew to be my friend.


XOXOXOXO

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

March 30, 2009

We have not forgotten Matt! God Bless your family.

NJ Trooper

March 21, 2009

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys-
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee-
God wanted me now, he set me free.

Anonymous

March 18, 2009

Mother, please don’t
mourn for me;

I’m still here, though you
don’t see.

I’m right by your side each
night and day

And within your heart I
long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m
always near

I’m everything you feel,
see or hear.

My spirit is free, but I’ll
never depart

As long as you keep me
alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of
your sight.

I’m the brightest star on a
summer night.

I’ll never be beyond your
reach.

I’m the warm, moist sand
when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves
when fall comes around

And the pure, white snow
that blankets the ground.


I’m the beautiful flowers of
which you are so fond.

The clear, cool water in a
quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom
you’ll see in the spring;

The first warm raindrop
that April will bring.

I’m the first ray of light
when the sun starts to
shine.

And you’ll see that the face
in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking
there’s no one to love you,

You can talk to me through
the blue sky above you.

I’ll whisper my answer
through the leaves on the trees,

And you’ll feel my
presence in the soft
summer breeze.

I’m the hot, salty tears that
flow when you weep

And the beautiful dreams
that come while you sleep.

I’m the smile you see on a
baby’s face.

Just look for me, Mommy,
I’m everyplace.

I love you mom,

Matthew

Anonymous

March 18, 2009

Lynn! I am sorry I didnt get to write on here on the 8th, but I know you know you still heard from me on that day. In speaking with you, I know the day does not get any easier for you and it saddens me to see your heart break. I know all too well your pain and mine has been 5 years. Unfortunately sweetheart, it doesnt get any better. You and Matt were so lucky to have found each other. Some people dont find the kind of love you two shared in a lifetime. You were the last person Matt loved and he chose you to spend his life with and he passed away a very happy man. That is one thing you can be thankful for from this tragedy. He did a job he loved and was married to a woman he loved. I know I said this to you before, but I wish I knew Matt! From all your stories he sounds like such a wonderful man. He is a hero and you now have such a special guardian angel in heaven always with you. I know no matter what you do or where you go in life, Matt never leaves you and you will always always love him. As always, I am thankful for our bond and our friendship and I will continue to ALWAYS be here for you.

xo, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

March 13, 2009

Dear Matthew:

You have not been forgotten. So many who knew you have taken such heartfelt steps to remember you. I was stopped by a Somerville Police Officer today. He knew you and went to the academy with Dave. He carries your mass card in his vest every day. I will never forget his kind words and the sincerity in his asking how we were doing. Such a gracious young man. Somerville Police should be proud to have such a fine young man on the force.

I wish you were here with all my heart and soul.

I love you still and always will,

Mom

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

March 11, 2009

Matt: It's hard to believe that 3 years have gone by. I hope you're watching from above and know how much you are missed by all who knew and loved you. We think of you every single day, always with a wonderful memory. You made Lynn so happy and brought so much happiness to our family. May you continue to rest in peace, as we continue to honor and remember you. God Bless.

Laura & Pete Avalos
sister and brother in law

March 9, 2009

Matt,
I think about you each and every day, but especially so today. I hope you know what an incredible impact you have made upon all of us and although it was only for a short time, I am proud that you are part of our family. You have made my little sister the happiest person on earth. Please continue to watch over her and guide her as the pain has not ceased.
I only wish you were here today to see your nieces and nephews grow up. We continue to share stories to them about you and will forever remember you as a true gentleman and a hero. I miss you Matt!!!
Love,
Denise

Denise
sister-in-law

March 8, 2009

Dear Matt:

I just wanted to thank you on the anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten.

You are a very special person and I was blessed to know you.

I shall pray for your family on this special day and throughout the year to come.

Anonymous

March 8, 2009