A former Major League pitcher turned Port Authority cop was killed by a wrong-way driver on the New Jersey Turnpike Sunday whereas on his solution to Manhattan’s 9/11 ceremony.
Anthony Varvaro, 37, a married father of 4 was killed as he traveled to work on the Port Authority’s WTC ceremonial element to mark the twenty first anniversary of the terrorist assaults, in response to the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.
The head-on collision occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike close to the Holland Tunnel.
“The Port Authority PBA is shocked and saddened by the death,” the group’s President Frank Conti stated in an announcement.
“Police Officer Anthony Varvaro will always be honored and never forgotten,” he added. “Anthony’s wife and four children will remain in our hearts and will forever be a part of the PAPD Family.”
Prior to changing into an officer, Varvaro was a aid pitcher for six seasons within the majors, 4 of them with the Atlanta Braves. He additionally pitched for the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox.
“We are deeply saddened on the passing of former Braves pitcher Anthony Varvaro,” the Braves stated on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.”
Varvaro voluntarily left professional ball after 166 MLB appearances over six seasons, in response to American Police Beat. He reportedly referred to as the change “a difficult decision with no regrets.”
During his new profession, Varvaro remained concerned in baseball, serving as president of Sailor’s Snug Harbor Little League on Staten Island.
“The Snug Harbor LL community is deeply saddened by the loss of Anthony,” the group posted on social media. “Not only was Anthony the president, he was a tremendous person. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Varvaro performed baseball in highschool and whereas learning felony justice at St. John’s University in Queens.
His dying left St. John’s head baseball coach Mike Hampton “at a loss for words.”
“Not only was he everything you could want out of a ball player; he was everything you could want in a person,” stated Hampton, who was an assistant coach at St. John’s throughout all three of Varvaro’s seasons there.
Varvaro reportedly started coaching on the Port Authority Police Academy in June 2016 — simply two days after pitching in his remaining sport. His first project was on the World Trade Center Command.
“It is like being in the bullpen, getting that call to get ready, you’re going in,” he instructed American Police Beat in March. “When you are called upon you need to be ready, without question.”
“The entire Port Authority family is heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Officer Anthony Varvaro,” the Port Authority stated in an announcement. “Officer Varvaro represented the very best of this agency, and will be remembered for his courage and commitment to service.”
With News Wire Services
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Source: www.bostonherald.com