Massachusetts

Somerville Police Officer Remembered for Dedication to His Family, Community

What to Know

  • Louis Remigio, 55, of Tewksbury, Mass., was a 30-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department.
  • Remigio died Oct. 9 from injuries sustained in a crash the day before on I-95 in Hampton, New Hampshire.
  • Police say Michael Ricci, 18, of Burlington, Mass., has been charged with felony reckless conduct in connection with the crash.

Family, friends and colleagues are saying goodbye to a Somerville, Massachusetts police officer who died of injuries suffered in a crash last weekend.

There were long lines at the wake for 55-year-old Louis Remigio, which was held Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Doherty Funeral Home in Somerville. A traditional police walk-by took place around 3:30 p.m.

Hundreds of police officers from multiple agencies paid their respects Thursday where there was both sorrow and pride.

Officer Remigio's motorcycle was parked in front of the funeral home, draped in purple bunting and gleaming with distinction.

Remigio, whose wife died last year, is survived by two adult daughters.

Somerville Police Lt. James Polito served with Remigio in the traffic unit. Surrounded by Remigio's two daughters, Lt. Polito read a statement Thursday on the family's behalf, expressing thanks to the community for their support during this difficult time.

"Difficult and heartbreaking do little to describe the pain we the Remigio family are continuing to experience after the tragic death of our father and family member," the statement read. "He was humble, dedicated and authentic... He spoke with passion when describing his work, his interests and his family. He had a big laugh, a bigger handshake, the largest of hugs, and positive energy that could lift anyone's spirits. Unfortunately, we no longer will experience that energy."

Remigio, of Tewksbury, died late Monday night at Portsmouth Regional Hospital from injuries sustained in a crash on Interstate 95 in Hampton, New Hampshire on Sunday.

New Hampshire police said Remigio's motorcycle was struck by a Mercedes-Benz driven by Michael Ricci, 18, of Burlington, Massachusetts. Ricci may have been racing other vehicles and veered from the northbound lanes into oncoming traffic, police said. Ricci was not hurt.

Ricci, who appeared in Lowell Juvenile Court on a probation violation Wednesday, has been charged with felony reckless conduct in connection with the New Hampshire crash. His driver's license has been revoked.

Witnesses say Ricci was racing cars on I-95 in New Hampshire Sunday morning before the crash, and police have said he could face more serious charges.

But on Thursday, everyone just wanted to talk about a man who always put his family and community first.

Remigio, a 30-year veteran of the Somerville police force, received multiple awards for service to the community, including two Life-Saving Awards, a Meritorious Service Award, a Beyond the Call of Duty Award, and numerous commendations by his colleagues and community members.

He was a member of the Law Keepers Motorcycle Club and coached kids in sports in both Tewksbury and Somerville.

A life of service and sacrifice is being remembered fo bringing light to the darkest places.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday.

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