GIPD Investigator Christopher Marcello laid to rest in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Devoted public servant, good father, and loving husband are just a few of Christopher Marcello’s attributes remembered fondly by colleagues during his funeral service on Wednesday.

Two of the GIPD investigator’s colleagues spoke about what kind of man he was around the office. Sergeant Jason Allen told a story of how Marcello started a tradition at the department called ‘Coptoberfest.’

It was an event where Marcello would barbecue for the entire department. Allen said Marcello would work as long as needed to make sure every shift had food.

He also remembered Marcello having the utmost respect for the job, but also knowing how to help others de-stress after the shift was over.

“Chris held everyone around him accountable because he understood the seriousness of police work,” Sgt. Allen said. “In the public’s eye, Chris was always a constant professional. He took his job and responsibilities seriously, but he never took himself too seriously. Behind the scenes, he took his hair down, obviously figuratively speaking.”

In addition to his time with GIPD, Marcello also served as a part of the US Army National Guard. During the service, he was remembered by Michael Belleci who served with Marcello on the battlefield and with GIPD.

“He was so much more than a leader of soldiers. He was our father, our brother, our equal, and our lead scout,” Belleci. “I cannot tell you the number of times people well above his pay grade were astonished at the knowledge and skills that Chris possessed when it came to the military.”

Marcello was finally laid to rest in Hastings at the Parkview Cemetery.

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