John J. Gelao

God Bless you Shirley and Family. Such a sad day for all of us that got to know John. We have another guardian angel keeping an eye on us. May God smile upon you all in the long days ahead.

John Gelao was one of SPPD better investigators; one whom I admired. We solved many cases together. May your soul rest in peace!

Ret. Sgt. Mamie Lanford Singleton of St. Paul, MN

What a class man. Taught us "rookies" how to act, and molded us into hopefully good policemean. For many of us he was affectionatley known as "coach", for the many seasons we had playing for the St. Paul Police Softball league. Always a gentleman.

Doug Wills '67

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Uncle John will be missed. He was a stand up guy and always someone to look up to. It seemed like everyone knew uncle John and everyone respected him. Many fine family memories...especially blowing the police siren when giving little nephews a ride in the police car. Oops, I guess he wasn't supposed to do that, but it sure was fun. You will be missed uncle John.

John,

My deepest sympathies to your family. You were the model police officer that I attempted to immitate.

Retired Sgt. Jerry Jung

John was certainly one of St. Paul's most finest police officers. He was a great example to the young officers and a great leader as a supervisor. In my memories of SPPD, it is those like John, who remind me what a great profession I was in and the great people I served with.

Shirley, Sad to hear about John. We have so many memories from the job and from my campaign. He was a great guy and a good friend. I wish we could be back there for the service but you will be in our prayers here.

Sgt. Gelao turned many young men into St. Paul's Finest when he was the sergeant in the police academy. He never would have been placed in that position if he had not been an excellent example himself. He could tell many stories of being involved in good police work. And we can never forget that he was the one who thought to look for the second bomb at the Dayton's bombing, saving many lives. He could show his impatience with lack of effort, but I'll never forget that smile of his with a job well done. My condolences to the entire family.

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great man and boss. I worked with John when he was my Sgt. on the East Side in the 70's, while working the afternoon shift. God bless John and his family.