Naugatuck Police Mourn Death Of Retired 25-Year Veteran

NAUGATUCK, CT — The Naugatuck Police Department is mourning the loss of retired Officer Noreo Gabriel, who died earlier this month at the age of 73.

In a Facebook post, police said Gabriel served the community of Naugatuck for over 25 years, where he retired as lieutenant and served in a variety of roles and capacities.

He later worked for for the Prospect Police Department for another 19 years.

"We extend our condolences to Officer Gabriel's family and thank him for his years of dedicated service as a police officer," the post reads.

According to his obituary, Gabriel died Saturday, Dec. 3, at his home in Wolcott.

Born and raised in Naugatuck, he was named Officer of the Year for his role in a multi-state rescue of a child while working for the NPD.

Gabriel also became a certified D.A.R.E. officer and worked as both an animal control officer in Prospect and a funeral assistant at the Zembruski and Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci funeral homes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at St. Anthony Church in Prospect at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

Calling hours are Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home in Naugatuck.

His obituary can be read in full at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home.