Hoboken Police Chief: 'Loss Of An Active Officer Is Worst Thing'

HOBOKEN, N.J. — Hoboken residents and police bade farewell on Sunday and Monday to a beloved officer who died unexpectedly a week ago at the age of 46.

Services were held this weekend for Hoboken Police Sgt. Peter Zanin, a father of three who passed away at a New Jersey hospital last Saturday. Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante told NJ.com that Zanin had passed away after a two-week illness (and clarified it was not coronavirus).

The funeral was held Monday morning.

Monday night, Chief Ken Ferrante released a statement, thanking those involved and also referencing the tough year for local police, starting with the Jersey City shooting nearly a year ago.

"Tomorrow is not a guarantee," the chief wrote.

This was his full message, with more information below:

<blockquote>

I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to pay their respects at either the wake or funeral or both, or for those officers out on quarantine who watched the live feed today. This showing of support was great for the family to see to be comforted and to be proud of.

A special thank you to our Honor Guard, who exceeded excellence today and delivered Sgt. Zanin home with precision at all movements.

Thank you to the PSOA Union representatives who showed great leadership and support for the family and our officers from the time we were at the hospital on Nov. 20, through today, helping guide all through a most difficult week.

Thank you to our Chaplain, Monsignor Andreano for his support at St. Claire’s Hospital last week and for presiding over a most beautiful mass today, with a perfect, blessed homily which so accurately honored Pete, for his family to hear and feel.

Thank you to all who were on the original email group last Saturday morning, and to all who contributed to organizing an outstanding final sendoff.

Thank you to the dignitaries and elected officials who joined us in paying respect to Sgt. Zanin at the wake yesterday and today at the mass.

Thank you to Pete’s traffic bureau, especially the MC units who handled the processions through torrential rains, 70 mph winds and tornado warnings. Your work continues to amaze me and today you went more than above and beyond.

Lastly, thank you to our Chiefs, Directors, Prosecutors, Sheriffs and all of your officers who came to the wake, joined the processions today, and most importantly patrolled Hoboken today so all of our officers were able to attend the funeral. The family that Hudson County police agencies have come to be over the past decade can help us get through anything.

The loss of an active officer is the worst thing a department can go through. We were fortunate enough to have not had this situation since 2012, and I have witnessed some other surrounding agencies have to deal with it over the past 7 years, some unfortunately more than once or twice.

However, what we know from our profession and careers, especially if we live it the right way, in the worst of times is when the best of law enforcement comes out.

Tomorrow is not a guarantee.

With everything we have all dealt with since Dec. 10, 2019 thru today, and the too many unrelenting challenges in between, we need to live life for the betterment of others, our communities, and our brother and sister officers.

The last 11 days has been grueling. No other way to put it. Let’s make tomorrow a better day!

Stay safe, be alert and watch out for one another!

</blockquote>

According to the obituary, Sgt. Zanin was a member of the Hoboken Police Department since 1999. He and his family moved from Hoboken to Parsippany a year ago.

(See him read a Shel Silverstein book to kids here, part of "Storytime with the Police," a program launched during the quarantine.)

Surviving are his wife, Samantha (nee Funk) and his three cherished children, Olivia, Christian and Madison, his mother, Arlene Zanin, his only brother Kevin, his brothers-in-law, West Orange Police Detective Ryan Funk and Sgt. Jesse Funk of the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s office and their wives, Leslie and Julie. Zanin was the endeared nephew of Patrick and Lynn Fitzgerald.

Zanin was predeceased by his devoted father, Peter Zanin Sr.

According to the obituary, "Peter took on many benevolent challenges, such as Coat Drives, Toys for Tots and many other community events in the Mile Square City. Known to many as 'Peachy' for his reddish hair. A graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. An avid New York Rangers fan and a member of the Hoboken Motorcycle Club. Peter was respected by all of his colleagues."

The Funeral Mass was Monday at 10 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul RC Church, Hoboken. Interment was to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Visitation was Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. and concluding at 8 p.m. at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Ave. More details are here.

"Our deepest condolences to the family of Hoboken Police Sergeant Peter Zanin and his colleagues," wrote the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office a week ago Saturday morning. "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, 3 young children, his mother Arlene, brother Kevin, & brother-in-law Ryan. Please keep them all in your thoughts."

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the city would fly flags at half-staff for the week.

“He was not a man of pretense, but rather a man who exhibited quiet grace and humility," the mayor said. "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.”

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

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