Obituary: James C. Criscuolo, 83, East Haven Police Chief, Ret.

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

James Cosmo Criscuolo, 83, retired Chief of Police of the East Haven Police Department, passed away with his loving wife and daughters by his side on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was born in New Haven, CT on July 5, 1938 to the late Anthony L. Criscuolo and Mary (Savoia) Criscuolo.

He grew up in East Haven and graduated from East Haven High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to the Military Police. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he joined the East Haven Police Department in 1963 where he began as a patrolman.

Over the next 35 years he served his hometown of East Haven, going up through the ranks where he retired as Chief of Police 1998. During his formative years as a police officer, he was instrumental, along with others, in organizing the first East Haven Police Union, which then became Local 1662. He achieved many goals throughout his career, including becoming a Hostage Negotiator and a certified law enforcement instructor.

He attended University of New Haven and graduated with an A. S. in Police Science and Administration, and a B. S. in Criminal Justice in 1974.

He was cited as outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the year in 1976 and received the Distinguished Graduate Award from East Haven High School in 1996.

Chief Criscuolo was a "cop's cop" and loved serving beside his brothers in blue. He was always honored to serve his hometown, friends and neighbors.

Jim was an avid golfer. He loved fishing, antiques, and music. He also looked forward to meeting his brother, Tony for coffee each week. He was a member of the St Mary Magdalene Society in New Haven, where they honor their Atrani heritage. He loved playing bocce with " The Gents", a club he formed with his high school friends over 65 years ago and playing cards with his "brothers" from the department.

Most of all, he was a family man. He loved his family more than anything. He leaves his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia Grudzinski Criscuolo, three daughters, Cindy Criscuolo of East Haven, Jill (James) Rasile of Branford and Tracy (Ron) Etergino of Bernardsville, NJ, and a brother, Anthony L. Criscuolo, Jr. of East Haven, five grandchildren, Luke, Nico and Shane Rasile, James and Tessa Etergino and three nephews, Michael, Steve and Anthony Criscuolo.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Wednesday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at St. Vincent dePaul Church at 11:00. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Friends may call TUESDAY from 4:00-8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel 2 Towers @ t2t.org.