Joe Malinconico

Paterson Press

Frank Scorpo, a popular 34-year-old motorcycle police officer in Paterson, was laid to rest Thursday.

Scorpo, who died Sunday from complications of COVID-19 at St. Joseph's Medical Center, was saluted by fellow officers Thursday at S.J. Priola Funeral Home in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany. Many wore masks that featured the Paterson Police Department's logo.

The Paterson Police Department had been planning to hold a celebration for Scorpo, who had been hospitalized for more than 10 days with the coronavirus.

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Scorpo — the proud father of two boys, ages 4 years and 6 months — was making progress in his battle against the virus, and city officials were expecting him to get released this week, said Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale.

A contingent of cops was ready to cheer for Scorpo whenever he got out of St. Joseph’s, Speziale said.

“We are shattered,” Speziale said of the Paterson Police Department’s first fatality from the coronavirus. “Our hearts are broken. He was extremely well-liked by everyone.”

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Lt. Sean McIvor, supervisor in the traffic division, said this week that Scorpo often volunteered for unpaid duty providing motorcycle escorts at funerals for family members of police officers.

“He had a great heart,” McIvor said. “He was the kind of guy you wanted to go out for a beer and hang out with. He was always talking about his kids.”

Following the salute, Scorpo was interred in Dover.