East Fishkill Officer Daniel DiDato was 'one of a kind'. Colleagues share tributes.

Officer Daniel P. DiDato of the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, who was killed in a one-car crash on Monday, Dec. 18, en route to investigate a separate car-pedestrian crash, served the community for 19 years, and was fondly remembered Friday by his friends and colleagues.

Officer DiDato had served as a police officer with the Town of East Fishkill Police Department since Jan. 2, 2005. However, his career began at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection in 2001.

"Officer DiDato was everything that encompassed a great police officer and friend; he was genuine, smart, courageous, tough and witty," the Town of East Fishkill Police Department said in a statement.

Daniel P. DiDato remembered as a fun, caring individual and devoted officer

People who knew Officer DiDato couldn't say enough about his work ethic and dedication to the Town of Fishkill Police Department, as well as his ability to make anyone's day a little brighter.

Bruce White, the school resource officer for the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, said Officer DiDato was not only a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, but a big Marvel Comics fan.

"We would talk at length about collecting comics," he wrote. "He even grabbed me a few new rare editions of Spider-Man, which Dan knew was my favorite Marvel character."

Even though Officer White and Officer DiDato were on different squads, DiDato would make an effort to connect with him, sending over old-school ’90s music to listen to ranging from house music to R&B and hip hop. In comments emailed to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Officer White wrote it "was his way of saying hello."

"Dan was the definition of a brother, a cop, and a friend," White wrote. "I will truly miss my East Fishkill brother."

Jessica Deschesne, senior police assistant for the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, said Officer DiDato was a fun and caring individual.

"His spot-on impressions of people could turn any bad day into a good one," she wrote.

Deschesne said she will always keep the memory of him alive in her heart.

Even for those who didn't know Officer DiDato for long, he managed to make a tremendous impact. Angelina Santiago, police assistant for the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, might have only known him for a short period, but she wouldn't be where she is today without him.

"He had a great impact on the start of my career," she wrote. "Dan was the first officer I had spoken to about my interest in police work and the police department."

She also mentioned his enthusiasm for his job and the police department.

"Dan was always coming into the station even when he wasn’t working which truly shows how much he cared for the job," she wrote. "You will be missed, Dan."

Detective Sean Philips shared that even though Officer DiDato was one of the most senior patrolmen and could work any shift he chose, he still decided to work the busiest shift from 3-11 p.m. over the past two years.

Detective Phillips also noted if you were looking for a pizza or chicken parmesan recommendation in the area, DiDato was the person you'd ask.

"He knew the best Italian food joints to go to," Detective Phillips wrote.

"My last conversation with him, an hour before he went on that call, was about a jar of homemade roasted peppers he gave me," Detective Phillips wrote. "He loved the job, loved the guys and was so proud to represent law enforcement."

Alyssa Ashely, senior police assistant, remembers Officer DiDato as one of the best types of friends someone could have, stating he was reliable, caring, genuine and funny.

"If you ever needed someone to be real with you, Dan was the man; he'd listen then give you a solution right away and if you were sad about something, he'd make you laugh with one of his comments," she wrote.

She also said Officer DiDato never let anyone feel left out, ensuring everyone was included in whatever he did.

"He was truly one of a kind, and I will forever miss my friend," she wrote.

Acting Chief of Police Lieutenant Derrick Cuccia said DiDato had one of those special personalities, that he could light up any room he entered.

"Part of his unique personality was his quick-witted humor," he wrote. "I’m honestly not sure where he came up with his material, but it was appreciated every day," he said.

Fire Commissioner Chris Jodlowski of the East Fishkill Fire District said Officer DiDato was well known and a familiar face on the scenes around town, as the East Fishkill Rescue Squad, the East Fishkill Fire District and the Town of Fishkill Police Department all worked closely.

Being from the area, Officer DiDato had known some members of the Fire District all the way back from their schooling.

"He went to John Jay High School and a lot of our members knew him from school," Commissioner Jodlowski said.

Commissioner Jodlowski said Officer DiDato's passing was striking to the community.

"He was so much more than just an officer, we saw him around town and he was a friend to so many of our fire and EMS people," he said.

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Services for Police Officer Daniel P. DiDato

A press release from the Town of East Fishkill Police Department states the wake will be held on Friday, Dec. 22 from 4-8 p.m. at John Jay High School, located at 2012 Route 52 in Hopewell Junction.

On Saturday, Dec. 23, the funeral will be held starting at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Church located at 835 Main St. in Hopewell Junction.

All outside law enforcement agencies will gather at the East Fishkill Recreation Park located at 392 Route 376 in Hopewell Junction beginning at 8:30 a.m. If parking overflows, officers will be directed to the parking lot of the East Fishkill Community Center. More parking can be utilized, if needed, at Gayhead Elementary School. Bus transportation will be provided from the East Fishkill Recreation Park to St. Columba Church, as well as from Gayhead Elementary School, if necessary.

Food and refreshments will be available at the East Fishkill Recreation Park and at St. Columba Church.

"The department lights are definitely going to be dimmer now without Dan’s personality," Lieutenant Derrick Cuccia said. "We will all miss him."

Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com: 845-863-3518

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: East Fishkill Officer Daniel DiDato remembered as a friend to all