James Louis Comerford, Jr

Auxiliary And Special Officer Of The Newtown Police Department

James Louis Comerford, Jr, 77, husband of the late Eileen (O’Dwyer) Comerford of Sandy Hook, died March 11, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Mr Comerford, the son of Agnes (McGee) and James L. Comerford, was born in New York City, June 24, 1932.

He was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in 1950. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Prior to being a Union Local 3 electrician for the IBEW, Mr Comerford owned and operated King-Comerford Automotive and worked as a machinist for the Brooklyn shipyard.

He served on the Newtown Police Department as an auxiliary and special officer from 1981 until 2010. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernian, JFK Division. 

Joseph Steinfeld, a lieutenant for Newtown’s special police, described Mr Comerford as “a man of honor, devotion, and loyalty.” Mr Comerford was proud to be a veteran of the Korean War and was very patriotic, Lt Steinfeld said. “He was just a phenomenal officer, a great guy. He was loved by this [police] department.”

The police department is thankful for Mr Comerford’s many years of service, commitment, and dedication, Lt Steinfeld said, adding, “He’s going to really be missed.”

Mr Comerford is survived by his five children, James L. Comerford III, Eileen Budrewicz, Michael Comerford, Regina Lovely, and Noreen Guman and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; two siblings, John and Dan Comerford and spouses; and many nieces and nephews. Mr Comerford was predeceased by his son, Kevin Comerford.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Monday, March 15. Interment with Military Honors followed in St Rose Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

To leave an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.

The Newtown Bee        March 19, 2010