1st Lt. Peter J. Vellon

[ironputts]

March 6, 2021

1st Lt. Peter J. Vellon
Treasure Chest Composite Squadron
Florida Wing

Peter J. Vellon was born on August 10, 1937 to Peter and Ellen Vellon in Jackson Heights, NY. He joined the U.S. Air Force on January 3,1956 at eighteen and served 4 years and although he wanted to be a USAF pilot he ultimately chose the civilian life. Later, he earned his license and IFR instrument rating and flew recreationally for more than 50 years. He also liked to sail and earned a Captain's license for boats up to 55'. Peter earned his Associate's Degree in Applied Science in June 1968 at Suffolk Community College, his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Dowling College in 1972, and his Master's Degree in Professional Studies at Long Island University in 1975. He joined the Suffolk County Police Department in 1960 and served 37 yrs. in many precincts and commands. He retired as a Detective Sergeant in 1997. During his tenure, Peter rose in rank from a patrol officer, to a Detective, a Detective Sergeant and Commanding Officer of Property Recovery and Missing Persons. He was very active in fraternal organizations and was a member and held office in Police Conference, P Police Benevolent Association, Superior Officers Association, Emerald Society, International Police Association, SCPD Columbia Association and finally Retired Police Alumni Association. After retirement, he became an Adjunct Professor at Suffolk Community College, Criminal Justice Department. During the time he was working and after, Peter enjoyed flying a Cessna 172 to many cities throughout US and Canada. Also piloting his 30 foot Chris Craft was a favorite pastime, docking at Fire Island and other ports. He enjoyed a broad range of activities and social life, golfing, traveling to Europe, Russia and China. Peter was preceded in death by his mother Ellen, father Peter and sister Dorothy Cioffi. Peter leaves his love of 35 years, Jackie Ross. He is survived by his two sons, Craig and Glen Vellon and step-sons James and Christopher Ross, and his sisters, Catherine Vellon and Barbara Washa, and his nieces, MaryEllen Yannucci, Dorothy Mancuso, Courtney Foley, Erin Dartley, Kate D'Lorenzo and Amanda Theodore and his nephews Donald Cioffi, Edward Washa and Ryan Kelleher. He leaves 14 great-nieces and nephews, 1 great-great niece and 2 step-grandchildren.