Retired West Caldwell Police Officer Passes Away, Peers Mourn

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — Anthony Colavito, a retired lieutenant with the West Caldwell Police Department, has passed away, his peers reported earlier this week.

The West Caldwell Police Department offered a message of tribute on social media for Colavito on Monday. It read:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired West Caldwell Police Department Lieutenant Anthony Colavito (97), of Bradenton, FL. Lt. Colavito was born on August 25, 1923 in West Caldwell, NJ. He served with the US Army Special Forces as a demolition specialist during WWII, detailed to the Asiatic and Pacific Campaign. Lt. Colavito later joined the West Caldwell Police Department in 1948, where he honorably and faithfully served our community until his retirement in 1974. He then moved to Bradenton, after he retired. He was a Chartered Member of St. Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5604, both in Bradenton, FL., and a Silver Life Member of the West Essex PBA, Local 81, in New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Ida E. Colavito; Children, Anthony Jr. of Bradenton, Dianne Vance of Calabash, NC and Marie Gentle of Bradenton; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Rest easy Lt. and thank you for your service.”

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