Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Leonetti,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served during World War II-God knows what you had to endure as a Prisoner of War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 6, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Thank you also for your military service and defending our country.

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

March 6, 2021

Rest in peace Chief of Police Leonetti.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2020

My favorite uncle out of five!
What I remember most about the incident, was my own father's disbelief.
He said, "Not Ange, it couldn't be him, he's the toughest man I know".
Rest in peace Uncle Ange, with your first born, who was more like a brother to me than a cousin.
I still love you both, always will.

Chris Capp
Nephew

January 6, 2017

I had the honor of researching Chief Leonetti's life as both a police officer and soldier as a part of my Blue Courage seminar. I am in awe at his courage and dedication to the citizens of his community and nation. He was an example of selfless service that police officers today should aspire to. I am humbled by his desire to assist his fellow citizens particularly given the horrendous conditions that he fact. Blessings to his family and to their legacy of service as well.

Asst. Chief Deano McNeil
Notre Dame College Police Department

July 9, 2015

As part of the Blue Courage program hosted by the Norte Dame College Police Department, South Euclid, OH, Angelo was remembered today in the reflections part of the program. We appreciate his sacrifice to his community and honor him today.

Chief Jeffrey Scott
Notre Dame College Police Dept.

July 8, 2015

Thank You so much for all the kind comments.
They still bring tears to both my Mother and myself.
I never had the honor and pleasure to meet my grandfather.
I was born in 1970 and the Great Storm was in 1962.
He was truly dedicated to his life on Long Beach Island and the LBTPD. After his death my Grandmother, Mildred Leonetti,
threw herself into public service and volunteerism.
March 6th is always a sad day for our family.
Yesterday I stopped by to visit my Grandmother who still lives in the home where she raised her family in Brant Beach.
She is doing well and recently celebrated her 99th Birthday.
My Father was Chief Leonetti's oldest son.
He unfortunately passed away 7 years ago.
He asked my Mother that they be married on the day of the Storm to honor his Father. At 18 and 20 they were married on March 6th 3 years after.
Yesterday would have been my Parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
My Mother, Bonnie Leonetti, had a 33 year career as the clerk and administrator for Long Beach Township. Our family has maintained close ties to Long Beach Township and the police department. We truly appreciate the fact the department never forgets our family hero.
In the 1980's my Grandmother was instrumental in obtaining donations for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. It is a memorial dedicated to officers killed in the line of duty. Over the years former Chief of police James Hartman and current Chief Michael Bradley would assist her in any cause she was working on.
Officer Butch Hartman sent me a text this morning alerting me about this post. I forwarded the link to my Mother who is in Key West for the winter. She was extremely touched and appreciative. The Great March Storm is a very big part of our lives even 53 years later...
Jim Leonetti

James Leonetti
Grandson

March 7, 2015

Thank you LBTPD for this lovely remembrance. Chief Leonetti was truly & fully devoted to Long Beach Township and his Department. He has been sorely missed by his family these many years. We are now comforted that he is reunited with his son Jim who begged to go with him on that fateful morning.

Family Member
Bonnie Leonetti / Daughter-in-Law

March 7, 2015

Rest in Peace Chief. You have not been forgotten. I am honored to serve the same town as you once did.

Patrolman Tom Franks
Long Beach Township Police

March 6, 2015

Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Sergeant D. E. Latta
Calhoun County Sheriff Department

December 1, 2014

Today I am in a police training school, remembering fallen officers by humanizing them. It is you, sir, that I have the opportunity to learn about and introduce to the class tomorrow. I thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
You are remembered and you live on.

Officer
Baltimore County

November 12, 2014

I will always remember my Uncle Angie. He was a hero, not only to me, but to the residents of Long Beach Island. It was one of the worst storms ever to hit that area. There was another man, I think his last name was Osborne but I'm not sure. He and Angelo Leonetti. gave their all to evacuate and save the remaining residents. They pushed on for about 48 hours with no sleep. The truck went under water and although he was an expert swimmer exhaustion took their lives.

I was a child but I remember the memorial service and the multi gun salute. I remember the ride in the police car with my cousins and his turning on the siren for our amusement. I remember his charisma

Chief Leonetti was also a POW in WW II. There is an incredible story of coincidence that involves another uncle, Gerald Waldron, who was a prisoner in the same camp. They would pass one another during their daily walks. When they returned to the U.S. they were surprised when met one another at a dinner. If that wasn't enough, it turned out they had married two sisters, my aunts!

On this 50th anniversary of his death I feel a little sad, but also lucky that I knew him, even it was for a short time.

Nancy Segal
Niece

October 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 50th 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 who was murdered in the 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 Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2012

Rest In Peace Chief Leonetti.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 6, 2012

Just found out a few months ago that Chief Angelo Leonetti was my great uncle. I thought I was the first police officer in the family, to later find that my great uncle was killed in the line of duty. Rest in Peace Chief.

Police Officer Justin Busam
Temple University Police Department. Philadelphia Pa

August 27, 2011

Rest in peace my brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex NJ Cop

March 6, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 5, 2008

Chief Leonetti, you are not forgotten

March 6, 2006

Chief Leonetti,
On today, the 44th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Long Beach Township.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 6, 2006

Rest in Peace Sir.You are remembered.

March 6, 2006