Police In North Jersey Pay Tribute To Young Hoboken Officer Who Died Suddenly

HOBOKEN, NJ — For the second time in a little over a year, police in Hoboken said goodbye to a well respected officer who passed away suddenly.

On Thursday, Hoboken police and other area law enforcement officials held a procession for Detetive Mario Novo, 52, who died on Monday.

On Facebook, police departments from Glen Rock to Secaucus mourned.

The Hoboken police officers' PBA wrote:

"This just doesn’t feel real. R.I.P. Det. Mario Novo…

"For those of you that did not know Mario, he was a Hoboken Police Detective and was on loan to the Hudson County Prosecutors Office . More importantly, he was a husband, father, friend, and incredible human being!

"Mario always had a smile on his face. A smile that brightened up every room he walked in. Det. Mario Novo will be DEEPLY MISSED!

"If you are free on Thursday and knew Det. Novo, please consider going to the funeral."

Officials did not say how he passed away.

Novo was also a member of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Narcotics Task Force.

His obituary is here.

Their Legacies Live On

A little over a year ago, in late November 2020, the department said goodbye to Peter Zanin, 46, a father of three who had died unexpectedly after a two-week illness.

"The loss of an active officer is the worst thing," said then-Chief Kenneth Ferrante at the time.

Zanin had helped run the department's toy drive for needy kids each year, and it has since been named for him. In fact, he drive is looking for donations by this Friday night for a children's party to be held in the next few days. READ MORE: Toys Still Needed As Hoboken Drive Is Extended Through Friday Night.

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