Obituaries
Jellison Funeral Home
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Walter M. Ciaglo
Taunton, MA, December 2, 2011Walter M. Ciaglo, 83, died December 2, 2011 at his home after a period of failing health. He was born in Taunton, Massachusetts on September 2, 1928, the son of Apolina (Ukekja) and Martin Ciaglo and lived in Taunton all his life. He was educated in Taunton schools and played varsity football all the years he attended Taunton High School. He was offered an athletic scholarship to Brown University which he declined to enter the Merchant Marine in 1946. He was also a member of the Massachusetts State Guard. Upon his return to Taunton, he worked at Paragon Gear Works before being drafted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. His mastery of the Slavic languages made him invaluable and he avoided combat by serving with the Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. During his Army service, he completed some college engineering courses offered through the military from the University of Maryland. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged and the end of the Conflict. Upon his return to Taunton, he again worked briefly for the Paragon Gear Works until he took the police exam in 1955. He was one of two candidates who passed both the written and physical portions of the exam that year and became a police officer in the City of Taunton, a position he held for nearly thirty years. He was a familiar face at Saint Mary's School crosswalk directing traffic and was well liked by the children he keep sake.He was employed by Mozzone Bros Construction and he referred to that time in his life as an education as well as employment. He perfected his art of home building and built 10 homes in the City of Taunton. His homes were always sold before they were completed, as he was known for his attention to detail, high ethical standards and quality construction. The last home he built was his residence for the last 30 years. There he focused on helping his family in way he could and was especially devoted to his granddaughter with whom he shared his home for many years. On October 26, 1999 he was awarded a Unites States Patent # 5,970,693 for his invention the Rota- Mulch, a safety device employing monofilament for lawnmowers.Mr. Ciaglo was avid tennis player, and oversaw construction of a court in his backyard were all were welcome to play. He was a founding member of the Taunton Rifle and Pistol Club and his name appears on the original charter. He was a member of the NRA, Retired State and Municipal Employees and the Taunton Police Association. He was a benefactor of many worthy causes and was especially fond of cats.He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Folsom of Dublin, NH; his granddaughter, Katherine K. Alves of East Taunton and Seekonk Mass. and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Ann Ciaglo, and devoted caregivers who made it possible for him to live in his own home in his last years. His wife, Dolores (Erwin) Ciaglo pre-deceased him as well as his brothers, Peter and Michael and sister Helen.A graveside service will be held at 2 PM At Saint Joseph's Cemetery, St. Mark Section 475 East Britannia Street Taunton. with full military and police honors. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Taunton Cat Hospital, 56 Winthrop Street, Taunton, MA 02780. Jellison Funeral Home (jellisonfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family with arrangements.
