Public Can Sign Memorial Register for Hellertown Police Officer Who Died July 8

The Borough of Hellertown is expressing “profound sadness” over the loss of 58-year-old Ofc. James F. DeLeone Sr., a 19-year veteran of the borough police department who died suddenly of a heart attack while visiting family in Virginia July 8.

A memorial service for DeLeone will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ruggiero Funeral Home, 126 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl, Pa.

Click here to read his full obituary.

For residents and friends of Ofc. DeLeone who are unable to attend the visitation Saturday, a memorial register book has been placed at Hellertown Borough Hall for them to sign.

“There will also be an area to place cards that will be presented to his family on Saturday,” a statement from the borough and funeral directors Stephen Ruggiero and David Heintzelman said. “Please come in during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) this week to sign and witness what a great Officer (Jim) DeLeone was to our community.”

“By reaching out this way, the Borough of Hellertown can show support to his family through this memorial register and cards received,” the statement said.

Strong support was also expressed Monday morning, when members of the Hellertown Police Department, the Lower Saucon Township Police Department and the Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 Legion Riders escorted DeLeone’s hearse on its journey through town.

The Se-Wy-Co Fire Company used one of its ladder trucks to hang a huge American flag high above Main Street, which the motorcade passed underneath as borough staff–some with tear-stained faces–police officers and residents came out to pay their respects to their late colleague and friend.

Saucon Source publisher Josh Popichak broadcast the brief procession live on his Facebook page (see below for the video).

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