GoFundMe Set Up For Fallen Trooper's Family: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — State police have announced a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family of fallen Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who died in the line of duty last Thursday.

Pelletier, a Southington resident/native, died after a pickup truck struck him on the side of Interstate 84 in Southington Thursday afternoon, May 30. He was 34.

The motorist, who police said was impaired by alcohol/drugs, is in police custody and was arraigned in court Friday, May 31, and is facing multiple charges.

He left behind his wife, Dominique Pelletier, and two young sons, Troy and Zachary, along with other family members.

The GoFundMe page is the only approved, Connecticut State Police fund-raiser to benefit the Pelletier family as they navigate life without their husband/father.

As of Monday morning, June 3, nearly $356,000 toward the $500,000 goal was met.

"The grief and sadness caused by Aaron’s sudden death cannot be properly expressed in words," reads the page.

"As a Connecticut State Trooper, Aaron was a friend and brother who will be remembered for his easy smile, quick jokes, and willingness to train and teach new Troopers.

"More importantly, Aaron’s dedication and love for his wife and two boys knew no bounds Aaron will never be forgotten and be remembered fondly by everyone who knew him," state police wrote on the GoFundMe page.

"Rest in peace brother, we will take it from here."

Pelletier was a 2007 graduate of Southington High School and a 2011 graduate of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

He worked for two years with the Connecticut Department of Correction at the Hartford Correctional Center before graduating from the state police academy in 2015 and becoming a trooper.

In 2021, he became a K-9 police officer and was partnered with his state police dog "Roso," who was in Pelletier's cruiser when it was struck by the suspect but escaped injury.

Southington impacts

Meanwhile, Southington officials said there will be impacts on municipal and roadway operations due to Pelletier's wake and funeral at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home on North Main Street (Route 10).

Officials said, that on Tuesday, June 4, the Southington Municipal Center, 200 N. Main St., and Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., will be closing at 11:30 a.m.

They said the municipal center parking lot will be used for parking for the wake.

The municipal center will reopen as normal Wednesday, June 5.

In addition, the Calendar House will also be used for parking and for shuttle pickup and drop off.

Staff will be onsite throughout the afternoon to assist those parking at the Calendar House and Depaolo Middle School who wish to shuttle back and forth to the Della Vecchia Funeral Home.

The Calendar House will reopen at its normal time Wednesday, June 5.

Parking/Detours For The Wake

Southington police said Monday that detours will be in place Tuesday due to the wake, with motorists asked to exercise patience as a large crowd of friends, family, and law enforcement personnel are expected.

Police said those detours and road closures will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. as two private wakes are slated that day, with Route 10 traffic in multiple locations especially impacted.

"We expect the detours and road closures will affect area businesses and seek the cooperation of
residents and businesses in this area to plan accordingly and avoid this area if possible," wrote the SPD.

"Additionally, roads along this route will be designated as 'No Parking' and parking restriction will be enforced with violators subject to fine and/or towing of the vehicle."

Pelletier's funeral is on Wednesday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at the Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford. Private calling hours are Tuesday, June 4, for family, friends, and the law enforcement community at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. Burial will be private at St. Thomas Cemetery. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, at 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, N.Y., 10306, or T2T.org or to the GoFundMe page.

To donate to the state police's GoFundMe page for the Pelletier family, click on this link.

For Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier's obituary, click on this link.

From June 2: 'Southington Was Home In Fallen Police Officer's Heart'

From May 31: 'Suspect Charged In Death Of Trooper In Southington: CSP'

From May 30: 'Fallen Trooper 'A Dedicated And Compassionate Professional:' UPDATE'