By: Richard L. Smith
Lieutenant Donald Mitchell Ship of the Edison Township Police Department was laid to rest this afternoon in a solemn ceremony attended by over 1,000 mourners.
Among them were his wife, Tara Tomasso-Ship, Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi, Chief Thomas Bryan, and dozens of members of the Edison Township Police Department.
The day began with a viewing at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset.
Officers from across New Jersey streamed in and out of the church to pay their respects to the law enforcement leader affectionately known as "Tiger."
Lt. Ship passed away on July 10, 2024, with no details given regarding his condition.
Mayor Joshi delivered a heartfelt speech, recalling his long friendship with Lt. Ship that began in high school.
"He was my friend. We first met at a campaign, and when I asked him what he wanted to be, he said with so much passion, 'I want to be an Edison Police Officer.' Donald wanted the people of Edison to know that when Officer Ship was around, they were safe."
Lt. Ship began his law enforcement career as a Kean University police officer before transferring to the Edison Police Department in January 2011.
There, he served in the patrol bureau and as a field training officer for new hires.
Promoted to sergeant in October 2020, he relaunched the Community Policing Unit, spearheading charity events that provided meals, furniture, and Christmas toys to families in need.
Chief of Police Thomas Bryan praised Lt. Ship's dedication, noting his record-breaking efforts in collecting toys for children. "He will always be the face of community policing in Edison Township," Chief Bryan said.
In an emotional speech, Tara Tomasso-Ship remembered her husband as the ultimate family man. "I am so proud of all of Donald's accomplishments. He took such good care of me and our boys; he wanted the best for us," she said.
"He always had a warm and welcoming smile, even when he was in pain. He will never have to grow old; he will always be young and handsome. I will miss his beautiful smile, my dancing partner. I know that we will be back together someday."
Pastor Reverend Dante R. Quick of First Baptist Church closed the funeral by eulogizing Lt. Ship's commitment to the community and his dedicated service. "Lt. Ship represents a life that was fully lived," Pastor Quick said. "What a beautiful spirit to spend his time gathering turkeys and toys, making kids happy."
Speaking directly to Lt. Ship's sons, Dr. Quick offered words of comfort.
"Unfortunately, I had to bury everyone in my family that I loved. You will cry for your father, but he is never far from you. He will come to you in your dreams; you will hear his voice. My advice to you today is to live your life. Whatever you do, don't live a life of fear because your dad will always be there."
Lt. Donald Mitchell Ship was laid to rest at Saint Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.
His legacy of service and compassion will be long remembered by the Edison Township community.
