Re: 8/23/00 - Longtime detective dies of cancer at 53
Longtime detective dies of cancer at 53
William Kaempffer, Register Staff August 23, 2000
DiLullo joined the department in 1971 and was transferred to the detective bureau two years later, working in investigative services since.
"He’s one of the finest police officers I’ve known over the years," said police Chief Melvin H. Wearing. "He was just truly a class act, personally as well as professionally."
Flags outside Police Headquarters at 1 Union Ave. flew at half-staff Tuesday after officials announced the death over the police radio, followed by a moment of silence.
Those who knew him described DiLullo as a good family man and top-rate investigator who treated victims and suspects alike with dignity and respect.
He served as one of the lead investigators in dozens of difficult cases, including the 1998 slaying of Yale student Suzanne Jovin.
Retired Detective Thomas A. Trocchio, his friend and former partner, worked on the Jovin case and a myriad of others with DiLullo.
"There were a lot of cases," said Trocchio, who retired last years and now is an inspector with the Chief State’s Attorney’s office. "He always cared about the New Haven Police Department and especially investigative services.
"He was a gentleman. He was a wonderful family man. I’m proud to say he was a colleague and a friend — a very valued and cherished friend."
DiLullo was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Despite a grim prognosis, friends said, he battled the disease and returned to work at the department.
Even recently, he spoke of taking the sergeant’s exam to become a supervisor in the detective bureau.
"He could have stayed at home but he chose to come to work every day," Wearing said. "He continued to work on the Jovin case. I want to give him a lot of personal gratitude."
DiLullo’s condition worsened early this week. He died at the Hospital of St. Raphael at noon Tuesday.
During DiLullo’s career, he worked in the department’s street crime unit, intelligence division and general investigations, excelling in each, Wearing said.
"Tony represented the brightest side of the policeman’s badge," said Robert Lawlor, another former colleague and friend.
He recalled a case he worked in the late 1970s where a 6-year-old girl was murdered. Looking at the picture, tears began streaming from DiLullo’s eyes.
"He said, ‘I’ve got two daughters. I can tell you this, we’re going to solve this one," Lawlor recalled. It took 18 months but the detectives made the arrest.
Said Lt. William White, a long-time colleague: "I know one thing. He’ll be missed by everybody."
©New Haven Register 2000
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