Armand J. DiBella, 88; Retired Greenwich Police Officer

The purple and black bunting snapped in the frigid wind outside Greenwich Police headquarters Friday.

The bunting — and the American flag flying at half-staff — are in honor of retired Greenwich Police Officer Armand J. DiBella, a lifelong resident of Greenwich who passed away on Feb. 11 at the age of 88.

DiBella joined the department on Sept. 16, 1957 and served in the Patrol Division until April 1965 when he was assigned to the Marine Section. A passionate boater on the waters of Long Island Sound, DiBella served in the Marine Section until his retirement on Oct. 1, 1977, according to the department.

“Officer DiBella along with other members of the Marine Patrol were honored in 1966 by the Greenwich Lions Club when the section won the Dr. John A. Clarke Award for Outstanding Service to our Community, and his file contains numerous commendations, many letters of appreciation and several awards,” Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey said in a statement.

As a licensed professional yacht captain, after his retirement from Greenwich Police, he captained a private yacht for a prominent family in Belle Haven for many years. Later, he captained his own beloved boat “Pelican”, happily navigating the waters and ports of the Eastern Seaboard with his wife, Diane, according to his obituary from Castiglione Funeral Home.

Throughout his life, Di Bella loved being “on the water”, always lending a helping hand to those in need, and was a trusted and loyal friend to many people.

Officer Di Bella was the eldest of five children born to James and Josephine DiBella of Greenwich.

He served honorably in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Tortuga, travelling throughout the Pacific Region aiding Naval vessels in distress.

He is survived by his wife Diane and her daughters Sherry Delany, Susan Blair, and Stephanie Einsiedler; his son, the Honorable Robert DiBella; his daughter Debbie DiBella, and their mother, Ann Cugno Hill; his grandchildren Danielle DiBella, twins Joe and Koo Delany, and Diane and Luke Einsiedler; and his siblings John, Jeanne, Albert and Georgeanna.

Family and friends may visit at Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich, from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb.16.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association, Greenwich, CT.

For online condolences, visit www.castiglionefh.com.

Photo credits: Barbara Heins.