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Joseph Wambaugh
1937 - 2025
Joseph Wambaugh
1937 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Joseph Wambaugh Obituary
Joseph Wambaugh was an award-winning writer and author whose work explored the harsh realities of police and detective work, both as fiction ("The Glitter Dome," "The New Centurions") and in non-fiction ("The Onion Field," "The Blooding").
We invite you to share condolences for Joseph Wambaugh in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
12 Entries
Rick Parfitt
August 25, 2025
As a police officer, he understood the police mind. I never cared for fiction but I enjoyed all of his fiction and the non-fiction were great as well. He was truly a cop story teller
Marie K. Wambaugh Jones
August 24, 2025
Our condolences to Joseph's family. A wonderful author. I am distantly related through the Wambaugh family in Pine Grove, PA. The family was so happy for him. You are in our prayers.
Terry Rowe
March 26, 2025
Spent 30 years as a LEO. Joseph Wambaugh was a big influence on all of us at that time. The mid 70's. The New Centurions. The Onion Field. Of course, the Choirboys. Police Story. All of these were very influencial to a group of young cops. He will be missed!
Mr.Jr.
March 12, 2025
My Condolences.
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Matt McGrath
March 8, 2025
RIP. I have been a fan since 1972. He was the Dean of crime writing. The Onion Field is one of the finest books ever written about the criminal justice system. Thanks also for his USMC service.
Ian Cameron
March 8, 2025
I was a serving Police officer most of my working life. I read every Joseph Wambaugh book in order of publication. Although from outside of the US,his characters and situations they found themselves in resonated deeply with me and many others like me. You gave me so much pleasure an left an indelible mark on my life. An iconic chronicler of the Police life. God bless and keep you.
Daniel Heredia
March 7, 2025
I´m at a loss for words. You made every Centurion understand the uniqueness of "the job" through your books. The good times, the bad times, the memories will live on until we´re called to heaven. Vaya con Dos Joe, hug Captain Rudy de Leon and all the fallen Centurions.
Joseph T. Babcock
March 6, 2025
Joe thank you for the hours of entertainment from your books and please RIP
David A. Sacco
March 6, 2025
Joseph Wambaugh and I corresponded several times over the years, while I was a Police Officer with the LVMPD. On my retirement, 35 years, in 2014, I sent him an email thanking him for all his books! He sent me a card with an autographed bookmark reading SemperCop.
My condolences to the Wambaugh family and thank you for sharing Joseph with us. He was a great writer and a great cop.
RB
March 5, 2025
An accomplished and award -winning writer whose writings on police and detective work opened up a whole new perspective on the real world of law enforcement. He really shed light on a field that had not been seen before. Sincere condolences to the Wambaugh family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you to help you through your time of loss.
Tom Rust
March 4, 2025
My favorite author. I have read every book he has written. He had a unique outlook on crime. From actual accounts to fictional overviews. As a retired Deputy Sheriff, I completely understand," Semper Cop". R.I.P. Brother of the Badge
faith c.tobin/brad j/herscot
March 3, 2025
Dear Wambaugh Family my condolences's to the family.he'll surely be missed very much and may he rest in peace.best faith
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