Joseph Frank Buonome, 73, a life-long resident of East Haven, died at Hospice on Feb. 11.  He was the devoted husband of 52 years to Barbara Fritz Buonome. Joe was born on July 8, 1939, son of the late Raffaele and Mary (Morrone) Buonome. Early on, Joe had been an orderly for the Hospital of St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven, and a graphic designer for Sargent & Company.  His love for his town of East Haven and the people of the community, however, led Joe to join the East Haven Police Department as an auxiliary officer.  Joe was soon sworn in as a full time officer in 1972, and promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1985.  Appointed Court liaison and police spokesperson in 1991, Sergeant Buonome played an integral role in maintaining the department’s relationship with the local community. Throughout the course of his career, he also took on the duties of hostage negotiator, supply officer and airport liaison.

For three decades Sergeant Buonome, who retired from the East Haven Police Department in 2001, led an exemplary career and left a legacy to the community. His outstanding service was recognized with more than 10 commendations and two citations for performing above and beyond the call of duty, including the 1982 apprehension of an armed bank robbery suspect.

But Joe’s compassion and generosity did not end with his career as a police officer.  As a member, secretary, vice-president and president for the East Haven Police Union Local 1662, Joe worked hard to ensure the safety and security of his fellow officers and their families. Joe also served as the vice president of the Connecticut Police Association as well as vice president and president of the Order of Centurions. In addition, Joe served as president of the East Haven Municipal Credit Union, and was the director of the Coalition for Underage Drinking. 

Dedicated to enriching his community, Joe gave East Haven countless hours in his retirement to many fine organizations, including the East Haven Lions Club, of which he was a founding member, and the East Haven Rotary, of which he was a member. 

A firm believer in local participation in government, Joe served as the Democratic registrar of voters, a member of the East Haven Democratic Committee, and a past first selectman. He also served as a member of the Board of Education. 

Joe was a member of the Sons of Italy and the American Legion. In addition, his charity and giving extended to his membership in the religious societies of Santa Maria Maddelena and San Andrea d’Apostolo, and he helped to raise money through their charitable events for St. Michael’s Church, especially the Carnivale celebration. In 2002, Joe was selected as the recipient of  the St. Michael’s Community Service Award.

Joe’s commitment to the East Haven community, professional and otherwise, was unquestionable, and he made a real difference in the lives of many.

Besides his wife, Joe is survived by his beloved daughter Cheryl Panzo and her husband Michael of East Haven; his two adored grandchildren, Christopher and Gabrielle Panzo; his brother, of whom he was very proud, Peter Buonome and his wife Linda of Avon; his niece and nephew, Erin and Daniel Buonome; his sister-in-law, Patricia Dannels of Oldsmar, Florida; and two nieces and a nephew, Colleen Palmer, James Bishop, and Barbara Prater.  Joe was a dear cousin, friend, and colleague.

Relatives and friends invited to go directly to St. Vincent de Paul Church on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven, on Friday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity near and dear to Joe's heart, the  East Haven Rotary Club's “Clothe the Children  Fund,” c/o Carl Ruggiero, 12 Oakhill Dr., East Haven, CT  06513.  Sign Joe's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.