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Memorial Messages
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To The Arace Family,
I was beyond saddened to hear of this tragedy. I'll never forget Matt's smile. I feel fortunate to have known such a wonderful individual, he will be forever missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Tracy LeBlanc Lanciotto
- Tracy LeBlanc Lanciotto
Dear James & Family:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. Always hold Matthew's memories close to your heart.
- Susan Anderson (King)
To the Arace family: Please accept our sincere sympathy on your great loss. Many of our members worked with Matt and he was well liked by all. We will miss him.
The brothers and sisters of the Connecticut Independent Utility Workers Union
Local 12924
- Martin Ritter, Secretary
We are all blessed and lucky to have known Matt. His loyal friendship, his crazy sense of humor, and his wonderful smile are gifts we will all cherish forever.
- Rob Murtha
I am so sorry for your loss! I just pray that God be with you all during this very difficult time, and that His Spirit will comfort you and bring peace to your hearts!
- M. Rodriguez
My deepest sympathy to the Arace family. I knew Matt (and Chris) from our years at South Catholic High School.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susanna Tarantello
- Susanna Tarantello - Zemba
To a long time neighbor and classmate of Kennelly School. You were allways a great friend, you'r humor and kindness will be forever missed.
The Hillman Family
- Everett Otto Hillman
Dear Matthew,
No words can express what I feel for you. I do not know how I will go on without you, my lifetime relationship, my lover, my best friend and my soul mate. I know you always wanted the best for me and I will try to achieve that. I also know we share the same passion: the ocean and the sunsets, preferably in Florida, so besides in my heart, that is where you are for me. I love you and we will be together again someday baby. ;)
- Vanessa (V, Vernessa)
My Heart goes out to all of his family and friends. I'am very sorry for your loss.
- Ann Marie Orsini Norman
I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Matthew. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family and his brother and sister officers at this difficult time. He left this world at far too young an age, but he left it in a better place for his having been here.
- Captain Lori Coppinger, WHPD
Dear Family of Matthew Daniel Arace:
Your loss has saddened us. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to you.
Sincerely,
The LEVAS Organization
- Carolyn Brooks-Burton
"Fly Free and Wild As Can Be"
by Amber Moonstone 10/21/06
My voice has been silent this day,
I am again, compelled to pray,
For a beautiful soul that has just passed away.
He was just a year over thirty-four,
his beautiful soul just starting to soar,
with all life's pleasures in store.
Instead he was whisked from here,
leaving behind many a tear,
but his light will never disappear.
He was a kind and compassionate one,
always looking to have fun,
especially, at the shore under the sun.
He dedicated his life to mankind,
always helping and trying to find
the good and never to be blind.
Life as a cop had its toll,
it made him always in control
of his feelings and his soul.
But he remained soft inside
a man dedicated with much pride,
always walking with a steadfast stride.
To his loved ones, much devotion,
just as deep as his love for the ocean,
always giving love without condition.
Let your light shine on us today
as we bow our heads and pray
for your safe journey on this autumn day..
Rest In Peace, Matthew, we love you.
Author's Notes: To a beautiful soul, a special person in my daughter's life, and also, in our family's life. Matthew, you are at peace now, standing with your dad, finally, and knowing that you were loved and cared for in this life. Good bye, and God Bless You.
Peace, love and angel light, Matthew,
Vivianna Lamb
- Vivian Lamb
Matt was a great cop and wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and his family.
- Victor Otero
Dear Arace Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. As you know, our son Joe considered Matt his best friend and always looked up to Matt as the brother he didn't have. Matt took Joe under his wings when Joe became a Hartford Police Cadet and from there, their relationship continued to grow. Throughout the years they were constantly together, always meeting at the gym, going on their many vacations together, the casino trips and their mutual love for eating fancy gormet dinners. I always enjoyed being around Matt. He always made me laugh. Matt always had a smile on his beautiful face. All I can say now is that there is another beautiful Angel up in heaven. I tell Joe now to think about all the good times Matt and him shared together and that Matt will be watching over him from up above. May God Bless you all and give you the strength to get through these next few days. On behalf of the whole Ficacelli family, we truly loved Matt and we all will miss him deeply.
- Betty and Dan Ficacelli
My family and I send heartfelt condolences to the Arace family. As a neighbor (living on Fairfield Avenue) and as a schoolmate of Matt's at Kennelly, I feel lucky to have had the chance to know him. I will always remember his gentle soul. He will be greatly missed.
- Heather Erdmann Sullivan (and Erdmann family)
Daria,
I knew Matt (& Chris) from South and am very saddened at the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Tessy Ricabal Interian
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Matt was a great cop and will be deeply missed.
- Anthony and Brenda Ragno
Matt, It is still hard to believe you have left us. Your warm spirit and infectious good nature will be greatly missed. Hartford has truely lost a good friend and a great cop. Your Friends at Mayor Mikes's Restaurant
- Christopher Peters
Daria, Arace Family & Friends,
Your Recreation Family are so saddened to hear about Matt. Please know you are in our hearts & prayers. We hope the wonderful memories of Matt carry you through this difficult time. We are thinking of you & send our heartfelt condolances. Please let us know if there is anything we can do!
Hartford's Recreation Division
- Penny Leto, Superintendent of Recreation
Daria,
We are so saddened by the news. Our family will continue to pray for you and yours. God Bless, Carmen and Andres
- Carmen and Andres Chaparro
To the Arace Family
Please acccept my condolences on Matt's passing. He was a fine young man and a fine police officer. I am sure that Matt will be missed by his fellow officers at HPD. I've been retired from HPD for over five years, but I still remember Matt with his great smile standing at roll call at the beginning of the shift. May he rest in peace.
- Paul Donovan
I just got back from visiting my Grandfather in Canada and read my mail to find out that a great guy had passed. Just as happy as i was to see my family i was made sad by the news. Matt helped me try and get the Barry square neighborhood together and defended me in front of a the lynch mobb that faced me one night when the whole room was seemingly against me. In short he did what was right and went on his own accord. If he was any reflection of the family, he lived a great life surrounded by good people. I WILL MISS SEEING HIM IN THE HOOD.
- Courtney Dunstan
Matt, you are our brother, and it will not be the same without you.
Chris and family, you are in our prayers. We love you.
- Deborah Kidd and Kathy Tischofer
The South End substation won't be the same without Matt. Matt always had a smile, a laugh, or a friendly word for his coworkers. He is sorely missed.
- Gerardo Pleasent
Dear Matt, although you’re gone, you’ll always be remembered. I’ll never forget the Wednesday mornings at Sound View, the nights down town, when you helped me with my car accident and the many other occasions we met. Thanks for your countless smiles and for being a great guy.
To the Arace Family: My profound condolence for your loss. Your loved one has left behind memories that will live in the hearts of many forever. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Diana Pistritto (Floridia, Sicily)
- Diana Pistritto
I was lucky enough not to just have stood next to Matt in roll call but to have known him. He was a good cop but most of all a good person. To the Arace family, you are in our prayers. Rest in peace Matt
- G. Rodriguez
To the Arace Family: I am so sorry for your Loss! It is still so hard to even believe. I drive through the old neighborhood almost every day. I was one of the young kids that both Matt & Chris used to keep in line. It's just not going to be the same driving through there now. I guess a lot of really good memories just won't be the same now. All I know is I am a better person for having known Matt. Please know that all of our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
- Ed Zavarella & Family
It is often at a time of reflection that we truly realize how much we have lost. Not only has Matt's untimely passing been a loss to his family and friends and the community he served, it has been a loss to whoever he hasn't of yet touched with his smile, love of life and compassion. They truly are at a loss. Chris, Tommy and the entire family, Mary & I offer our condolences, prayers and thankfulness for having had the opportunity to have known Matt. The City has lost an angel. Peace to your family during this difficult time.
Gary & Mary Dumas
- Gary & Mary Dumas
Matty,
Your infectious laugh, smile, and humor will never be forgotten. It was my honor to work with such a dedicated and talented police officer such as yourself. Congratulations on your promotion. You will be sorely missed.
- Paul Cicero
Matt was a great summer friend. We shared many memories down at cornfield point in old saybrook at mike d's house. Good times were had by all! Good times that will last forever.
All our love to matt's family,
Jenna and Ali Rowlson
- Jenna (Rowlson) McCarron & Ali Rowlson
My condolenses to the Arace Family, May the Lord bless and keep you in his heart. Matthew is in His hands now and is watching over all of us here on earth. Bless you all.
- Joseph Marrero, II Retired Sergeant
To Chris & the Arace Family.
I have fond chilhood memories of playing in the neigborhood, McGinley Crafa Little League, and Kennelly school. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May all your memories help you through this difficult time.
- Bruce A. Ensign Jr.
Arace family, and especially Chris: Chris, we spent a great week together about ten years ago at the state capitol. And because I know you, I knew Matt. I called Carmen Arace Intermediate School in Bloomfield. They knew about Matt, and they told me they're going to do something to make sure the students understand the connection their school's namesake and your much loved brother Matt. My prayers are with you and your family, my friend.
Reece Jennings
Patrol Sergeant, Retired
Bloomfield PD
- Maurice (Reece) Jennings
My deepest sympathies to Matt's entire family. Although we never spent alot of time time together, the times that we shared together on the golf course were always great fun. You will be missed!
- Kenny Foster
I am very sorry for your loss.
I pray that the good Gob be with all of you in this difficulty times.
Jesus told her: "I am the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in me, though he should die, will come to life.
John 11:25-26a
- Martha B. Mingel
Dear Matt, although you're gone, you'll always be remembered. I'll never forget the laughs on Wednesday mornings at Sound View, the fun times down town, the day you helped me with my car accident and the many other times we met. Thanks for your countless smiles and for being a great guy.
To the Arace Family: I send you my condolences. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Your loved one has left behind memories that will live in the heart of many people forever.
- Diana Pistritto
To the Arace family: I just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. I will always have fond memories of Matt from Kennelly and South Catholic. He was one of the guys that was everyone's friend. The Jansing Family.
- Robert Jansing
To the Arace family
Our hearts mourn with Jim and his family and offer all our sympathy during these trying times.
Pat & Maureen O'Dea
- The O'Dea Family
To the Arace Family: On behalf of all the members of the Police Union and the Executive Board, we feel your sorrow. Matt is now in Heaven, with those Angels in Blue.
- President Richard Rodriguez
My heart is heavy with grief for the sudden loss of Matthew. Life at times is just too difficult to explain and the obstacles placed in our paths are sometimes too overbearing to overcome. We ask the question "why?", "Why must this have to happen?" A question I, nor anyone else can probably answer. My deepest sympathy is extended to the Arace family and to the family of police officers that worked by Matthew's side. Thank you Matthew for making a difference in my daughter's life. You will be missed by all, especially by her.
- Jeff Lamb
To the arace family, you were always like a second family to me growing up in our neighborhood on amherst st for 20 yrs. My deepest thoughts and prayers will be with you forever. Matt, you were like a younger brother to me, and i will never forget the memories we shared together.
- john uricchio
During this very hard time, Our prayers and love our with your family. Matt was a wonderful person. We will never forget his beautiful smile. God Bless you all for strength.
- The Sinopoli (DeLillo) Family
Barbara, Jimmy, and the entire Arace Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is always such a shock when death comes so unexpected.
Wishing all of you the best and that this very difficult time will pass quickly and that Matt's spirit will embrace you with the love he always gave. God Bless you.
Much Love,
Lisa
- Lisa Piotrowski
I remember Matt from South... My thougths and prayers are with you at this sad time
- Maura Connelly
To Jim and Family, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.
- Jerry Hyland
May God Bless and Keep Him and hold his family close during this time of heartache. Our deepest condolences to Chris, his entire family including his police family, and friends and to all who's lives he touched in his own special way. His candle went out much too soon. Matt was a special person, once you met him you would not forget him. A Kind, funny, and genuinely sincere person. The world has lost a good, good person. May he continue to bless you and give you strength with his memories in the future.
- Patrick Howe & family
My family and I send heartfelt condolences to the Arace Family at this sad time. Matt holds a special place in our hearts and his radiant smile will be sorely missed. My prayers and love are with you.
- Glendaly Garcia-Macci
Matt was a brother to all of us in the Department. He is will be missed by all of us.
Chris you and your family will always be in our prayers.
- Sylvia Hernandez & TJ McGrath
Your assistance in helping solve several key burglaries in the South End-Barry Square neighborhoods was greatly appreciated.
- Frank A. Bruskey
To the Arace Family ~ My deepest sympathy in the sudden loss of Matt. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this most difficult time.
- Kim S. Harrington
We are all saddened at the news of your loss. Please know that your family is in our prayers.May God bless you and provide you solice during this very sorrowful time. With love always.
Sandra,Joe,Cate Christopher, and Jocelyn
- sandra nork liberty
To Chris & the Arace Family, The City of Hartford lost a good cop, The Police Department a brother and a friend. No words can lessen the impact of your loss. Matt will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
- Dan DePinto
rest in peace,brother. without a dought you are one of the best cops that i had the chance to work with. there is nothing like good backup on a c all. keep em laughing! unit 451 signal 15. god bless
- pete and bragg
- Peter Lynch
rest in peace,brother. it is with out a doubt mat was one of the greatest cops to answer a call with.mat had a great sense of humor and agreater amount of integrity. keep em laughing! unit 451 signal 15 god bless.
- Peter Lynch
Chris and the Arace Family-
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Matt was a wonderful person with an infectuous smile. Thanks for the great memories at Uccia's gatherings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
God Bless you all.
- Mike and Maria Mennella
To Chris and the entire Arace family. No words can express how truly sorry I am for the incredible loss you have endured. I have fond memories of Matt from the "old" days around the neighborhood and Kennelly School. I was vey happy when I heard he had been hired by H.P.D. and thought to myself "Another one from the neighborhood on the job." Matt was a great cop and was there for me more than once when I needed help. I will miss seeing him with his friendly smile and his usual greeting "Hey Sarg" My families thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
- Bill Mooney
Chris and family, I would like to express my deepest condolences for your tragic and sudden loss of Matt. Matt you are a dedicated and great Police Officer. Rest in Peace,brother. Matt you and your family will be in prayers. God Bless.
- Frank Faust -(Retired Hartford P.D.)
To Chris and the Arace Family--My deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother Matt. I shall miss his smiling face which always brightened up my day.
Audi Ettinger
- Audi Ettinger
It was not so long ago that you and I and other friends of South Catholic, were standing in the rain on Allen Street, sheets pouring down, and just laughing about it. That was you. You could take everything in stride and find the humor in life's ironies. You were a life force and a magnet to the people who shared your thirst for all that this life has to offer, laughter and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures, and so much more. Losing you, you leaves a break in the rhytym of all our hearts. How can we ever forget you?
- Tammy Pleasent
To the Arace family: Please except our sincere condolences for your loss. We will always remember Matt's amazing smile and quick jokes that always kept us laughing! He was always there if we needed him. We feel truely honored and blessed to have known Matt for such a short period but in that time he made such an impression that will never ever be forgotten. Thanks Matty for all the smiles, jokes and great memories! Please know that the family at Agave is always here for your family and for HPD now and always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Agave Grill
I am so sorry for your loss... I bumped into Matt last year at the Berlin turnpike last year. I will never forget his smile. I enjoyed getting to know him while we played golf at Goodwin Park years ago. R.I.P
- Craig Bryden
Dear Matt-I know I only knew you for a short time, but I felt like I was much closer to you because of all the wonderful things Vanessa said about you. I remember the Buffet concert in June when you and Don stuck with V and I instead of joining others...it meant the world to her and me that you would always stand by her side. Although you are gone, I feel that you will continue to stay by her side as well as all your family members. I will never forget the kindness you always showed or your laugh that seemed to light up the room. You are greatly missed.
" Sunny days seem to hurt the most
Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
See your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe your gone
It ain't fair you died to young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing, no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today"
-Nickey, V's friend
- Nickey Druley
Matt, May God bless you in heaven like you blessed us here with your great sense of life. Don’t forget to look down from heaven and smile. My family and I will never forget you and we will always keep you and your family in our prayers.
- Miguel Colon And the Roman Family
On behalf of the ED staff at Hartford Hospital, our condolences to the Arace family. We will miss Matt's smiling face, his sense of humor and his kindness to us all.
- Eileen, Margie, Mel, Nicole, Julia, & everyone
My deepest condolences to the Arace family. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile. What a special soul.
- Claudia Misuraca
Chris &Famaly: Sorry to hear about your lost may God bless you all.May God give you comfort in this time of need. Just remember he is now watching over us as we patrol the city he loved so much.
Matt, Unit 451, D-10 YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.R.I.P
- C.Montanez
It seems just like yesterday Matt and i whould be having lunch together. Being at my travel agency almost everyday saying here i am to check up on you with that big smile on his face. How i miss his smile and the good times together. Matt i will always be thinking of you my friend, rest in peace: Arace family-Chris my deepiest condolences in the sudden loss of Matt, may god bless you all. thoughts and prayers are with you always:
Maria Coco
- Maria Coco
Matt. It's been a long time. Working as server
with you was so much fun!!! You were and are Sooooo cute!!!!!!! My daughters dad was on the job in Hartford at the time and we talked alot about what is was like to protect and serve. Chris I met you only once at the New Deal you were waiting for Matt!! He is waiting for you now!! Don't ever stop smiling!!!!
- Michele
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May we all know he's now our angel in blue watching over us.
- Jeff & Kate Morrison
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those who share in the loss of Matthew Arace. Although I did not personally have the pleasure of knowing Sargeant Arace, he sounded like a wonderful, caring person and devoted Police Officer. Hold your love for him always in your hearts!
- K. Steinberg
To Chris and the Arace family.Matt may have left this earth,but the memories he left behind in the hearts of those who knew him will remain forever.Please accept my sincere condolences.
Tony Romano
- Anthony F Romano
Dear Chris,
Words can not express how deeply sorry i am for the loss of Matt...after all these years, I still hold fond memories of you and your brother from South Catholic close to my heart. Keep your head up and always remember that special "twin bond" you shared together. After reading all the other messages, it sounds like Matt was a very successful and highly respected police officer; he will be missed by so many. with my deepest sympathy to you and your family...xo
Debi (Klein) Lashar
- Debi (Klein) Lashar
Dear Chris and family,
Today's tribute to your brother, Sergeant Matthew Arace, by you and your family was an inspiration and example of a truly loving family. Matt, and you all in my prayers.
Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, HPD.
- Nancy Mulroy
Christopher, I am so sorry to hear about Matthew. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and prayers. ~Danette
- -Danette
Christopher, I am so sorry to hear about Matthew. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Danette
- Danette
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privledge of knowing Matthew many years ago and he will be terribly missed. Tom my heart goes out to you and your family. Please take care
Robin
- Robin Wilkos (Rushlow)
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Chris and your Family. Matt was a gentleman and a great police officer. He will be MISSED, but NEVER FORGOTTEN. Cherish all of your fond memories of Matt, and know that he is now your GUARDIAN ANGEL!!
- Cheryl A. Gogins
To the Entire Arace Family,
I went to Central with Matt, and its been years since I have seen him, but I was deeply saddened by his sudden passing. I will always remember his smile, and his laugh, and most of all his kindness.
My family sends its deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Jill Martindale (Socha)
- Jill Martindale (Socha)
What a beautiful difference one single life made. May you find strength in your faith, comfort in God's love and peace in knowing that your friends are praying for you. With Deepest Sympathy.
- Sandra Gallitto
I took a boat trip over the summer. We left Pt. Judeth at around 11:30 pm sailed all night to reach the edge of the canyons for a day of fishing. Just as we were prepairing for our long awaited fun one of the props fell off the boat. Most of us now crushed after our long trip and the fact that we had to turn around for another 8 hour ride home. We all made the best of it and enjoyed each others company had some laughs. What then seemed like a big disapointment has now turned out to be the greatest fishing trip I will ever go on. Having enjoyed that trip with Matt, Chris and firends will be with me forever. I could not ask for a better way to remember such a great person who loved to do just what we were doing.
God bless you Matt for just being you.
To Chris and family you are all in the prayers of my family and me.
Pat Farrell
- Patrick M Farrell
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Arace family.Matthew will always remain in my heart.I cherish the time i had growing up with him in my neighborhood.His smile, always made things seem at ease.Thank You Matthew for the joyful memories.You were truly a gentle and kindhearted person.You will be missed greatly.God Bless, The TUSZYNSKI Family.
- Darius Tuszynski
TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER MATTHEW ARACE WE ARE REAL SORRY TO LOSE A GREAT HARTFORD POLICE OFFICER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. R.I.P SGT.MATTHEW ARACE
STATE POLICE EXPLORER JOHN ELLISON II
TROOP H
- JOHN ELLISON
