UPDATED: Hoboken Mourns Sudden Loss Of Police Sgt. Peter Zanin

HOBOKEN, N.J. — Hoboken Police Sgt. Peter Zanin, 46, who was involved in the annual police toy drive and other community events, passed away suddenly Saturday morning.

"Our deepest condolences to the family of Hoboken Police Sergeant Peter Zanin and his colleagues," wrote the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office on Saturday. "Sergeant Zanin passed away this morning at 4 a.m. this morning at St. Claire's Hospital in Denville. He leaves behind his wife Samantha, three young children, his mother Arlene, brother Kevin, & brother-in-law Ryan. Please keep them all in your thoughts."

Chief Ken Ferrante had Tweeted at 12:09 a.m. Saturday for everyone to keep him in their prayers.

The chief later told NJ.com that he died from complications after a two-week illness, and that it wasn't coronavirus.

[UPDATE: The funeral arrangements have been scheduled; click here.]

WATCH: Sgt. Zanin reads "Giraffe and a Half" by Shel Silverstein, part of the Hoboken Police storytime for kids series during quarantine, here.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the city will fly flags at half-staff for the week, starting Saturday.

“On behalf of the city of Hoboken, I send my deepest condolences to the Zanin family and the entire Hoboken Police Department for the tragic loss of Sgt. Peter Zanin," he wrote. "I am fortunate for having the privilege of getting to know Sgt. Zanin. He was not a man of pretense, but rather a man who exhibited quiet grace and humility. He was kind human and a gentle soul. Sgt. Zanin wore his uniform proudly and served our community with honor. His loss is a tremendous loss for the city. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Secaucus Police Department posted on Facebook, "The sergeant was a member of Sea Girt’s 199th police academy class. He was classmate to Chief Dennis Miller and Captain Joseph Baccola. Rest easy Sir. We have the watch from here."

Zanin also gained a following for his good-natured, humorous social media posts in Hoboken community groups during quarantine. Besides humor, he frequently posted to promote police programs, such as "Storytime with the Police."

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