Former New Haven Chief of Police Edward Morrone died Friday. He was 83 years old.
Morrone served on the New Haven police force for 25 years. He became chief in 1977 after an illegal wiretapping scandal forced out Chief Biagio DiLieto. Morrone was appointed chief by Mayor Frank Logue, whose supporters advocated reforming a department known for violating citizens’ rights.
DiLieto had other plans. Incensed over his firing, DiLieto ran for mayor against Logue. He lost the 1977 election, but ran again in 1979 and beat Logue, assuming office on Jan. 1, 1980.
A year later, after friction with DiLieto, with whom he had long had differences in the department, Morrone retired, taking a job at the East Rutherford, N.J., Meadowlands Sports Complex. Morrone was replaced by a chief who rewarded cops who got sued for brutality, saying he wanted aggressive policing.
At the Meadowlands, Morrone’s title was project manager for security. He oversaw security for the Jets and Giants football games, the Meadowlands Race Track and the Brendan Byrne Arena. After 10 years, he moved back to Connecticut to serve as the corporate director of security for The Hartford Insurance Group in Hartford. He retired from the job in 2003. He lived until his death in West Simsbury.
His son Eddie later became a New Haven cop, earning a reputation as “office U‑Turn” for his quick 180s when spotting a suspicious-looking car or person.
A wake will be held for Morrone at Iovanne Funeral Home in Wooster Square at 4 p.m., Tuesday.
Born in New Haven on July 28, 1934, Ed Morrone was the youngest son of Italian immigrant parents, Anthony and Antoinette Morrone. He was predeceased by his parents and seven siblings: Lena Riccio, Frank Morrone, Joseph Morrone, Mary Antonetti, Jean Longley, Ugo Morrone and Albert Morrone.
He is survived by his wife Dominique Avery, and his children; Diana Freyer, Edward P. Morrone, and Carola LaCoste as well as five grandchildren; Mandee Morrone, Lindsey Graziano, Billy Freyer, Michael Freyer and Laird Ugo LaCoste, and three great-children; Lexi Graziano, Callen Friedman and Sophia Freyer.
He joined the New Haven police force as a patrolman in 1957. After ten years on the beat, he began a rapid rise through the ranks until his appointment as chief in 1977.
Ed was intensely competitive and an avid sports fan. He played basketball and football at Wilbur Cross High School, in college and semi-pro softball and football. He loved horse racing and looked forward to his annual pilgrimage to the Saratoga Race Course every August. After retirement, he joined The Prince Thomas of Savoy Society, where he played bocce and posted numerous first place wins at their annual Setback tournaments.
Visiting hours will be held in the IOVANNE FUNERAL HOME INC. 11 Wooster Place in New Haven on Tuesday Aug/ 22, 2017 from 4 – 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held in Avon at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation. www.glioblastomafoundation.org, (919) 402‑1755. Contributions will go directly to the development of novel drug therapies for Glioblastoma brain tumors. Share a memory and sign Ed’s guest book online at www.iovanne.com
