Fallen Summit Officer Remembered As A Man Of 'Incredible Strength And Honor'

SUMMIT, NJ — Funeral arrangements have been set for Summit Police Officer Matthew Tarentino, who was one of two people killed in a fatal three-car accident on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township Tuesday morning.

Summit Police also announced the posthumous promotion of Tarentino to the rank of detective, effective immediately. The promotion is among the ritual courtesies extended to officers killed in the line of duty. Since Tarentino was reporting to work, the accident and his death, is considered in the line of duty, Summit officials said.

"Matt was an exceptional police officer and fully deserving of this honor,” explains Summit Police Chief Robert Weck. “He was highly respected within our department and throughout the Summit community. His legacy is one of strong community connections and balanced, enthusiastic outreach. While he may be gone, he will never be forgotten, and his family will always be part of ours.”

Tarentino, 29, leaves behind his wife, Victoria and two sons, Robert, 3, and Raymond, 2. Victoria also has a third child due in August. The former Somerville local moved to Summit where he had served as an officer since 2012.

"His character was unparalleled in today's age. Matt held himself to the highest standard and would not waver in times of adversity. He will always be remembered as a man of incredible strength and honor. For his family, we will remember his gentleness and devotion. The man doing puzzles on the floor or playing hide and seek with his children. The man who just always seemed to have the right answers. The bounce in his step; the flutter of his laugh; his jokes, both attempted and successful; his smile will never be forgotten," members of the Tarentino family released in a statement.

The family goes on to call Tarentino "an amazing brother and son" and "the BEST husband and father."

Tarentino was on his way to work in Summit when a westbound car crossed over the Interstate 78 median near exit 33 and struck him and another eastbound car at 6:20 a.m. on May 30. Two others were injured in the accident and transported to Morristown Hospital. However, one of those two victims has been declared dead, State Police Capt. Brian Polite confirmed.

• See Related: Police Officer Killed In I-78 Crash In Bernards Twp. Tuesday

The viewing will be held on Sunday, June 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on 35 Mountain Ave. in Somerville. A funeral mass will be held at the same location on Monday, June 5 at 10 a.m.

Following the mass, a graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery on 899 East Lincoln Avenue in Piscataway.

In lieu of flowers, a donation site for the Tarentino family has been established by the Summit PAL youcaring.com/victoriatarentino-835682.

For more information on the Summit Police Department and the many contributions of Officer Matthew Tarentino to the Summit community, visit cityofsummit.org/police.

(Image provided: Matthew Tarentino)

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