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Stoneham Police Department Rededicates Family Room in Honor of Former Chief Eugene Passaro

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that, thanks to a donation from StonehamBank, the Stoneham Police Department recently renovated and rededicated the Stoneham Police Family Room in honor of former Chief Eugene M. Passaro.
The Stoneham Police Department Family Room, which is used by families and those in crisis who need police services, was rededicated to former Chief Eugene M. Passaro on Monday. The room, which was first installed under Chief Passaro’s leadership, was recently renovated thanks to a grant from Stoneham Bank. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that, thanks to a donation from StonehamBank, the Stoneham Police Department recently renovated and rededicated the Stoneham Police Family Room in honor of former Chief Eugene M. Passaro.

The late Chief Passaro, who served Stoneham Police as chief from 1982 to 2001, oversaw the creation of the Stoneham Police Family Room, envisioning it as a place where families or those in crisis could meet privately with police without the fear of others in the police station lobby hearing their conversations. 

The Family Room is furnished with a couch, chairs, a small table, toys and children’s books, a television, and some toileting supplies for toddlers and infants. The room provides police with a more comfortable and less stressful environment for parents and guardians who may need to bring children to speak with police. The room also serves as a private space for those in crisis, or those dealing with sensitive matters. 

The room was first created in 2001, just before Chief Passaro retired. Chief Passaro passed away in February of 2024. A rededication ceremony on Monday evening was attended by members of Chief Passaro’s family. 

“StonehamBank is proud to support the renovation of the Stoneham Police Department’s family room — a comforting space for families during challenging times,” said Edward F. Doherty Jr., President & CEO of StonehamBank. “This donation is made in honor of Gene Passaro, former Chief of Police and StonehamBank Board Member. Gene’s lifelong commitment to public service and our community exemplifies the values we strive to uphold every day.”

“The Family Room provides our officers with a comfortable, relaxing space where they can have at times difficult conversations with families, crime victims and others in need,” said Chief O’Connor. “This room helps Stoneham Police do our jobs with compassion and care, and we are grateful to StonehamBank for helping us to renovate the space in honor of Chief Passaro.”

Police Chief James O’Connor, former Chief James McIntyre, who serves on the board of Stoneham Bank, Stoneham Bank President Edward Doherty, and Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan stand together with family members of former Stoneham Police Chief Eugene Passaro in the Eugene M. Passaro Family Room at the Stoneham Police Department. At rear is a portrait of Chief Passaro. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
A plaque dedicating the Stoneham Police Family Room to former Chief Eugene M. Passaro on the wall outside of the room. The room, which was first installed under Chief Passaro’s leadership, was recently renovated thanks to a grant from Stoneham Bank. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)

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