Sadness and feelings of mourning are being felt throughout Weehawken due to the passing of retired Deputy Chief Robert DelPriore. Many remember him for his dedicated track record of 30 years in the Weehawken Police Department.
DelPriore succumbed to illness on Nov. 3 at 59 years old. He was surrounded by his family and was resting peacefully in his final moments, they said. He was married to Jeanne, and had three children: Rob, Shanna, and Tom.
He was brother to Joseph and Paul, son-in-law of Marie Borga, brother-in-law of Nancy, Bill, Gail, Eileen, Chuck, and Kathy, and uncle of several nieces and nephews.
“We missed him when he retired and we’re very saddened by his passing.” – Director of Public Safety Jeff Welz
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“The family was extremely saddened,” said Debby McGurty, a family friend since high school.
Memories
Some called him Bob, others Bobby, but none will forget his friendship and his dedication to the township.
Throughout his career, he wore many hats as he ascended in rank. Welz remembered that he and DelPriore both entered the police force in 1973.
DelPriore was promoted to sergeant in March of 1982. He became lieutenant in January of 1987, captain by February of 1990, and deputy chief in September of 1998.
Throughout his career there were also times when he served as detective for the county prosecutor’s office.
He retired in July of 2004.
“He was a very personable guy, likable. He loved his career,” said Welz. “He was a dedicated career officer. He rose to the highest rank in the police department.”
Some left messages of mourning in an online guest book.
One message read “Bobby was a great guy, he will be missed.”
Another wrote: “Our hearts go out to Jeanne and all of Bobby’s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The family was too distraught over DelPriore’s passing to speak to the Reporter.
DelPriore was featured in the Reporter throughout the years. One of the articles mentioned DelPriore describing details of a call regarding a leak in an apartment that turned into Weehawken’s largest marijuana bust, approximately seven years ago. A picture of him was taken posing with the plants that served as evidence of the bust.
“I’m just glad we got it before it got out on to the street,” DelPriore was quoted as saying.
“He loved to help out people and did that through the end of his career,” said Welz.
Scheduled services
Visitation and a Funeral Service at Mack Memorial Home in Secaucus were scheduled to be held on Friday, Nov. 6. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a hospital that treats children battling cancer. Donations in Del Priore’s memory can be sent to: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105-1942.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com