Retired Ansonia police officer dies of ALS at 55
ANSONIA — Retired police officer Nathan “Nate” Paul Anderson, who served 26 years with the Ansonia Police Department, died at the age of 55 this week.
Anderson, of Terryville, retired from the Ansonia Police Department in 2016. Shortly after retiring, Anderson was diagnosed with
Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He died Monday of ALS, according to his obituary.
“And true to his character, he fought to the very end,” the police department posted to its Facebook page.
Known for his infectious laughter, sense of humor and chatty disposition, Anderson’s obituary describes him as “everyone’s best friend” and “the ultimate family man.”
“He was a fighter until his last breath — his illness not once wavering his strength or personality,” his obituary reads. “Nate will never be forgotten- he impacted the lives of all he met, and his legacy will live forever.”
Born in Providence, R.I., Anderson graduated from the University of New Haven in 1989 with a degree in criminal justice. He joined the Ansonia Police Department in February 1990.
Anderson received many accolades and was recognized throughout his career for his “exemplary and distinguished service” and perfect attendance, according to his obituary. He twice received honorary service awards from the Ansonia Rotary Club. Additionally, he was honored for “outstanding service to victims of domestic violence in the community,” through his work with the Umbrella Center, according to his obituary.
While fighting ALS, Anderson “continued to joke and make everyone laugh,” his obituary states. “He repeatedly said, his many years of overtime, standing over a manhole helped him endure the decline of his health.”
The police officer was also a fitness enthusiast who encouraged others to be their healthiest selves. He loved playing with his children and kids in the neighborhood, spending time outdoors and “fulfilling his duty to educate everyone on politics,” according to his obituary.
“A Sam Adams out by the fire was the perfect end to a busy day,” his obituary reads.
Before his diagnosis, Anderson helped coach youth baseball and participated each year in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Anderson is survived by his parents, wife, three children, two grandchildren and siblings.
In lieu of flowers, Anderson’s family is asking for donations to be made to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to first responder families and builds homes for injured veterans and first responders; the ALS Association, which works toward finding treatments and cures toward the disease, as well as empowers those affected; or to the Susie Foundation, which provides support services to families living with ALS.
Calling hours for Anderson will be held at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave. in Bristol, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. A private service for the family will be held at a later date.