Detective Joseph Pucciano, also known as the “Italian Sherlock Holmes,” will finally have a gravesite marker placed at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery after almost a century since his passing. A member of the NYPD’s renowned Italian Squad in the 1920s, Pucciano was a skilled gang-buster who solved numerous high-profile cases before succumbing to pulmonary tuberculosis on July 13, 1928.
Born in Calabria, Italy in 1879, Pucciano grew up in the Lower East Side and possessed an impressive linguistic ability, mastering English, Italian, Chinese, and Albanian. Joining the NYPD in 1905, he spent two decades fighting crime in Brooklyn as part of the Italian Squad and Brooklyn homicide squad. The Italian Squad, comprised of Italian-born officers, focused on investigating mob-related crimes, including murders and other criminal activities.
Pucciano, recognized for his innovative investigative techniques and sharp intellect, quickly rose through the ranks to earn his detective shield within five years of joining the force. His tenure involved solving over 40 murder cases, earning him nicknames like “The Italian Sherlock Holmes” and “The Master Detective” in the media. One of his most notable accomplishments was the apprehension of Tony Perreti, also known as “Tony the Shoemaker,” the leader of the Navy Street Gang responsible for orchestrating multiple murders and criminal activities.
Despite his significant contributions to law enforcement, Pucciano’s grave remained unmarked until recently when the Detectives Endowment Association took the initiative to honor his memory. The discovery of this oversight came to light during the unveiling of a headstone for Detective Bernardino Grottano, Pucciano’s former partner, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. As the DEA paid tribute to Grottano, they learned of Pucciano’s unmarked resting place and felt compelled to rectify the situation, ensuring that both detectives received the recognition they deserved for their service and sacrifice to the city.
Not really sure why this matters, but it’s heartening to see these dedicated officers finally receiving the acknowledgment they earned through their hard work and dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of New York City. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like honoring their memory in this way helps preserve their legacy and reminds us of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The job hasn’t changed, and none did it better than Pucciano and Grottano, who served with bravery and distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the NYPD.
