It is with sorrow and deep regret that County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick J. Ryder announce the untimely death of Active Nassau Police Department Chaplain Reverend Joseph J. D’Angelo on May 21, 2024.
Reverend D’Angelo was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1968 and began his career with the NCPD in April of 1990 as Department Chaplain. He served the department proudly for 34 years, becoming the Senior Chaplain training other chaplains along the way.
Father Joe, as he liked to be referred to, was a steadfast supporter of the Police Department and wore the uniform proudly for many years. His insight and spiritual guidance greatly assisted many department members both sworn and civilian.
Father Joe embraced teaching recruits and veteran police officers at the Police Academy. It was his mission to ensure that all members knew they could count on him and the departments other chaplains when needed. Additionally, Father Joe made it a point to visit with department members in their time of need to provide further guidance.
Father Joe presided over police funerals, promotional ceremonies, recruit graduations and many other ceremonies providing the Invocation and Benediction.
He possessed special concentrations in counseling and participated in numerous conventions throughout the world in every dimension of law enforcement study and possessed extensive training in crisis management to assist our members during and after traumatic experiences.
Our hearts, prayers and condolences go out to the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the D’Angelo family during our shared time of grief. He will be greatly missed by all.
From Nassau County Executive County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman:
“Father Joe has always been a true law enforcement professional as the departments Senior Chaplain. He served the Nassau County Police Department with great distinction and used his extensive training in Crisis Management and counseling to benefit an untold amount of our members over his dedicated and lengthy career. The Tri State area has lost a great man and we have all lost a dear and caring friend.”
From Nassau Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder:
“I have known Father Joe for over 34 years and can say that he brought so many positive qualities and attributes to our department with his extensive training and basic caring for people. As Police Commissioner, I have had the pleasure of working with him very closely for the past eight years as he was assigned to my office. Dedicated is an understatement, as Father Joe always wanted to make things better for both our sworn and civilian members. I consider Father Joe a dear friend and I will miss him greatly.”