3 months after promotion, Madison police captain dies of cancer

Services have been scheduled for Madison Police Capt. Joseph P. Cirella, who died Tuesday after a three-month battle with cancer, according to a department release.

"Our captain died after being diagnosed with cancer in September and leaves behind a wife and three young children," Chief Darren Dachisen wrote. "We will remember him as a great cop, a mentor, a devoted father, husband and above all, a great friend."

The wake will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Dangler Funeral home, 106 Main St., Madison, with a police officers' memorial service beginning at 7 p.m.

The funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Saint Vincent Martyr Parish, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Motor officers should report to the funeral home prior at 9 a.m. and stage on Elmer Street facing Greenwood Avenue (enter Elmer Street from Central Avenue). All agencies sending officers are asked to muster at the church at 9:15 a.m.

Agencies attending the funeral are asked to e-mail Patrolman Chad Rybka (RybkaC@Rosenet.org) with an approximate head count as well as the number of patrol cars and motor units.

Born and raised in Irvington and the proud son of an Irvington fireman, Cirella was appointed to the Madison Police Department on Feb. 13, 1989 after working for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

A graduate of the Morris County Police Academy, Cirella’s first months as a police officer were spent conducting undercover narcotics investigations. He spent several years in the Detective Bureau before being promoted to sergeant in July 2002. He was promoted to detective sergeant in November 2006, lieutenant in January 2013 and captain in September.

Cirella was said to be instrumental in reinstituting the Madison Police Department Motor Unit in 2000.

"Capt. Cirella loved his job and made every attempt to return to work after being diagnosed with cancer," Dachisen wrote. "During his last hours, a nurse at Morristown Medical Center asked Joe if wanted anything; his response: 'I just want to go back to work.' We will remember Joe as a great cop, a mentor, a devoted father, husband and above all, a friend."

A 1986 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Cirella had been enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson University to complete his bachelor’s degree.

He is survived by his wife Amy of 18 years and his three children: Caroline 15, Joey 13, and Nicholas, 8; his mother, Angela (Massotto), and his twin sister, Michelle McGlynn, and her husband, Kevin.

Cirella was predeceased by his father, Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Madison PBA Local 92 (write “Captain Cirella” in the memo field). Envelopes should be addressed to Madison PBA 92, 62 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940, Attn: Vincent Dellavalle.

The donations will be used for scholarship money for his children.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.