Obituary of John J. Aletta

JOHN J. ALETTA, a lifelong resident of Hackensack died peacefully at his home, on Saturday, January 12, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, at he age of 77 years. Former Chief of Police for the City of Hackensack John had a career in law enforcement that spanned for more than 40 years. A graduate of the Hackensack school system, John served his country during the Korean War in the United Sates Army Military Police Active Reserves. He joined the Hackensack police department in 1955, and had been assigned to each division during his career. Being assigned to the Detective Division in 1965, he attended various training schools including working with the NYPD where he investigated the growing problem of narcotics abuse. He was then promoted Sergeant and Commander of the first Narcotics squad and became one of Bergen County's first narcotics investigator. In 1971 , he was promoted to Lieutenant and he became a member of the Bergen County Narcotics Task Force and in his spare time he served as the Coordinator of the CEADA which was a drug abuse prevention for the city, and received the Bergen County Police Chief's Association award for valor and was recognized throughout the state as an expert in narcotics surveillance and investigation. He was appointed to the rank of Captain in 1983, Commander of Youth Division in 1986, in 1991, Deputy Chief and on October 1, 1992, he was appointed Chief of the Department. Chief Aletta was a graduate of the NJ State Police Academy, the Bergen County Police Academy, The Federal Bureau of Narcotics School, NY City Police Narcotics School and the Community Relations school. He was a life member of PBA Local # 9, the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the NJ Narcotics Officers Enforcement Association and the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association. Predeceased by his beloved wife Rose M (nee Pastore) who died in 1992 and a daughter Gina Aletta who died in 1994, he is survived by his loving children, John S. Aletta of Hackensack, Joseph M. Aletta and his wife Debbie of Jackson, and Grace Salmins and her husband Karl of Wyckoff, his grandchildren, Joey, Nicholas, Jessica, Kirsten, Erica, Gina and Rylie, a sister, Antoinette Figlia of Hackensack, three brothers, Michael Aletta and his wife Mary of South Hackensack, Patrick Aletta of Hackensack and Thomas Aletta and his wife Rose of Hackensack, his companion, Dolores Gibney of Wood Ridge and many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Trinity R. C. Church,. 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack, at 10:00 AM. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visiting will be on Monday evening from 7 - 9 PM and Tuesday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 would be appreciated.