U.S. Navy · United States 
Joseph Gonya
1923
Joseph E. Gonya served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Joseph Gonya was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend three auto theft suspects in Cleary Square. Two suspects were eventually apprehended. Both of them were charged with murder but were acquitted at trial. Patrolman Gonya was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWI who had served with the Boston Police Department for four years and had previously served with the Mansfield Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Boston Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmxp8pckerv51n1s1328
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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