Retired Nassau PD Detective ID'ed as Victim in Fatal Crash

UPDATED at 5:30 p.m. with details about Skowronski's death, his family and a statement from Acting Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter and the Nassau County Police:

A retired Nassau County detective from Mineola has been identified as the man who was struck and killed by a vehicle as he attempted to cross Old Country Road in Carle Place on Thursday afternoon, police say.

Det. Joseph G. Skowronski, 65, and his wife first went to a Verizon store to get a new phone when he then decided to instead cross the street to get his phone fixed at another store as a cheaper option, according to Newsday.

That was when he was struck by a 1995 Nissan Maxima, operated by an 18-year-old man, traveling eastbound near Cherry Lane at 3:40 p.m.

Skowronski suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Newsday says Skowronski leaves behind his wife and college sweetheart Rosemary Skowronski, 65, as well as six grandchildren and two daughters: Diana Capobianco, 34, of North Bellmore, and Christina Stillwell, 38, of Kings Park.

Below is the statement from NCPD:

Acting Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter and the Nassau County Police Department regretfully announce the passing of retired Detective Joseph G. Skowronski of Mineola. Detective Skowronski served 32 years with the Nassau County Police Department.

He began his career with the Nassau County Police Department in 1973 in the Fifth Precinct. He was promoted to Detective in 1991 and was assigned to the Third Detective Squad and the Sixth Precinct, where he worked until his retirement in 2005.

As a Detective, Joe worked on investigations in both the Narcotics/Vice Bureau and the Homicide Squad. His long and successful career in the Nassau County Police Department is reflected by the numerous commendations that he received for outstanding police work. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and everyone in our police family and we are grateful to have known and worked with him. Oh behalf of the entire Nassau County Police Department, we extend our sympathies to Joe’s family and friends.

The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. The Nissan was impounded for a brake and safety check.

Police deemed the accident non-criminal and are continuing the investigation.

Images via NCPD, Google Maps