A couple of days ago (Dec 30) I lost a friend to Cancer. He was Frank Donaghy, and he was a badge collector for over 40 years.
The man was a retired (Try telling him that) Newark Police Detective, and Bomb Technician. Frank lived with his wife Maryanne in Mountainside, NJ.
His home was at the foot of the Watchung Mountains just a short distance from "his" City - Newark, NJ. Even though his home was in the Next County it was close enough to be considered, in some circles, Newark P.D.'s Last Precinct.
The home was adorned with badges and other memorabilia from Newark. His collection, and warm friendly manner attracted police and collectors from near and far. I traveled 1200 miles to meet him following our first trade. Since that meeting we became good friends, and traded a couple more items, but a lot more stories about friends and family. I think we wore the coffee pot out while we just talked and laughed about our lives in Newark.
Badge 1588 has finally retired. His friends, and, more importantly, his family will miss him. I will too.
5 comments:
Frank was a great person and a true friend. I will be missing him for sure. A great man, that the law enforcement blood runs into his vains. Once a cop always a cop. As a law enforcement officer I had the great opportunity to meet Frank some years ago during the Police Memorial Week. After that we became very good friends, I have learn a lot from his stories.
His wife Maryanne, is very nice and a honest person, A true wife who had all the patience in the world and was always there for him. Especially the last rounds.
Badge 1588 and Frankie's picture will be hanging with honor here in Aruba, miles away from New Jersey, to honor a great man, a true friend.
We will miss Frankie The King!
You will always be here with us.
Your Friends in Aruba,
Lt. David Wing
Insp. Fleur Wing-Tromp
Aruba Police Force
Thank You very much Lt. Wing for your comments. I have sent them directly to the family.
I had the great fortune of meeting Frankie "D" 21 years ago. A fellow officer, John Garrett, upon learning of my interest in collecting police memorabilia introduced us. Being collectors and motor officers, we had an instant bond. I not only became friends with Frankie but also with his wife Maryanne who has a heart of gold. She would always go out of her way to make any friend of Frank's feel at home.
Since the day that we met not a week went by that we did not spend some time together. Frankie and I attended police collector shows, a few National Police Memorials in Washington DC with Aruba Dave, police department dinners & parties, and our families even vacationed together at the Jersey Shore.
I could not have asked for a better friend. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
As he did with Dave, Frankie gave me an old Newark PD oval hat badge with his number 1588 on it. This badge will remain close to his home with a dear friend who will cherish it and the fond memories of our friendship.
Until we some day meet again.
Lt. Allan Attanasio
Mountainside Police Dept.
For Lt. Attanasio - I sent your comments on this blog directly to Marryanne. Keep a good eye on her.
Dennis
Post a Comment