Retired Ridgewood Policeman Anthony Dinice Dies at 82

Family members and former colleagues remembered Anthony Dinice as the consumate public servant, one who dedicated much of his life to protecting and serving his fellow village residents.

The retired officer died Sunday, April 15 in Toms River. He was 82.

After a stint as a milkman, the Paterson native was hired as a police officer in 1956 and served until his retirement in 1981. During his distinguished career, he's credited with helping create the traffic division. 

Public service is a legacy deeply rooted in the Dinice family history – his son Paul has been serving as a patrolman in Ridgewood since 1984 and grandson Anthony was recently hired as a parking enforcement officer. He too has aspirations to become a police officer in his hometown.

"I always looked up to my grandfather," Anthony said Wednesday. "He was the epitome of what you wanted in a police officer in the Village of Ridgewood. I hope to one day follow in my grandfather's footsteps and keep the Dinice name strong as my father continues to do every day."

Police Chief John Ward remembered the late Dinice as a dedicated officer with a top-notch work ethic and a good sense of humor.

"He obviously instilled his beliefs upon his son and grandson," Ward said Wednesday. "His family should be proud of his service, this community should be proud of his service, and we honor his service to this department and the community."

Dinice raised his family and lived in Ridgewood before moving to Toms River in 1986. He was an active church-goer and a member of various civic groups in Toms River and Ocean County.

"Family was everything to him," his obituary reads. "He enjoyed crabbing with his grandchildren, boating, playing cards, cooking, eating and singing his favorite Italian songs, priding himself on doing everything 'My Way.'"

Dinice is survived by his wife Rose; son Paul; four daughters, Angela Peterson of Toms River, Jean Staff of Charlotte, NC, Deborah Salerno of Southington, CT, Carol Ciardi of Toms River; brother Louis J. Dinice of Hackensack, as well as an aunt and uncle. He leaves behind ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

"They're a family that has dedicated their lives to the Village of Ridgewood and serving its people," said Det. Pete Youngberg, the current PBA president. "Anthony served as a Trustee of the PBA and the brothers and sisters of the PBA are grateful for his years of service. It's a sad day for all of us."

Flags in Ridgewood flew at half-staff on Wednesday and will again on Thursday.