Former Police Chief Pasquale “Pat” Guliano was remembered Monday as a man who worked behind the scenes to keep kids out of trouble and for his work with the Special Olympics.
Guliano, 69, died Friday of cancer.
Guiliano graduated from Derby High School in 1958 and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Soon after being discharged in 1965 he became a Derby police officer, along with George Dunne of Derby and Charlie Corcoran, who now lives in Florida.
“We were always together,’’ said Dunn, a retired Derby patrolman. “Everyone called us the Three Musketeers because we were always doing things together,’’ Dunne said.
Dunne said Guliano was always helping with children and the Special Olympics, serving as a coach. “He had a good heart and he’d do anything for you and he will be deeply missed,’’ Dunne said.
Corcoran, a retired Derby lieutenant, said he and Guliano started on the job the same time and retired around the same time in 1993.
“He always worked to help people, especially children. He was also a special friend,’’ Corcoran said.
Retired Police Chief Andrew Cota described Guliano as a good cop who also did a good job as the department’s youth officer.
Cota said that Guliano worked with youth so they wouldn’t get a permanent record.
“He worked individually with kids to help them,’’ Cota said.
Mayor Tony Staffieri said he remembers seeing Guliano patrolling the streets of Derby when he was a youth.
“He was always helping those less fortunate and he always had a kind word and helping hand,’’ Staffieri said. “He’s a great man, who also comes from a great family.”
Staffieri said Guiliano’s passing will be noted during a moment of silence at the next Board of Aldermen meeting.
Guliano is survived by his wife, Joan.
The two had been married 47 years and had spent many years traveling around the country in a motor home. He is also survived by two sons, Mark and Pasquale, daughter Kim Timko, grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The wake for Guliano is today (Monday, Aug. 17) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St. in Derby.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church, Derby.
Burial will be in Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Avenue, Derby, CT 06418.
