Following a two-year battle with lung cancer, Matthew G. Zaleski Jr. died March 14, 2022. He was the only son of Carmelita and Matthew G. Zaleski Sr.  His father was a Navy pilot who fought bravely in World War II before returning home to become the chief of police in South River, New Jersey; where Matthew Jr. was raised. 

Matthew was a decorated law enforcement officer. He spent years undercover as a detective and was eventually named director of police training and ran the police academy in Middlesex County, where he was responsible for putting hundreds of police officers on the job in New Jersey. 

With his first wife, Jean Hughes he raised two sons. After 34 years as a cop, he retired and lived quietly in Manasquan with his second wife, Deanna Giannini. He was a talented woodworker and craftsman. He loved to eat and half-blamed the closure of his favorite restaurant a few years ago for the general decline of everything in his health, life, and the world. If he was alive and they were open he’d be having pasta fagioli and veal and telling you proudly that his oldest son is an attorney and his other one “works for ‘GQ!’”

Matthew was a fighter: Cancer. Criminals. Contractors’ bills. He died swinging his fists. He had a Jesuit education and was deeply patient, and though not always tolerant at first, resigned to helping people overall. He taught his sons to take care of themselves and others. He loved his car (a BMW M3 roadster) and his cat (Max), who sat by his side throughout his last years as he underwent non-stop treatment for his disease.

Matthew is survived by his first wife, Jean; his cousin, Al Mondrick; his sons, Matthew and Lucas; their wives, Amy and Stacey; his grandchildren, Beatrice and Wyatt, and his loyal feline friend, Max. 

Booga booga. May he Rest In Peace.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35, Wall.