Greenwich Native Dies After being Tasered by Bridgeport Cops

Friends mourned Trumbull resident Ronald Cristiano, 51, who died after he was Tasered more than three times by Bridgeport police.

Bridgeport police have said he struggled with officers and medics before he was Tasered and later suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday.

"Mr. Cristiano was a long time friend of ours and founding forefather/ past President of Trumbull Youth Lacrosse (TYL). He was a tremendous athlete, successful businessman, wonderful father and dedicated husband," said Suzanne Testani, vice chairwoman of the Town Council. "His many years of volunteerism and presence wil be surely missed in Trumbull. My heart goes out to his lovely family and friends. He touched the lives of so many. This is a sad time indeed."

Added Testani, who is the program director for the Greenwich Senior Center, "Mr. Cristiano was like a second father to my boys and together with my husband introduced lacrosse into their lives 11 years ago. He was also responsible for taking my older son Alex to his very first Trumbull Pop Warner Football game in 1998 which began a successful life-long passion." Her other son also entered football.

Alex Testani now co-coaches Freshman Football at Trumbull High School, she said.

Ron Cristiano Sr., Cristiano's father, also died earlier this month, Testani said.

Long-time acquaintance Michael Krupnick said, "I have known Ron and his family since he was a teenager growing up in Greenwich. He is from a wonderful and loving family who tragically lost his father less than two weeks ago. Ron was a great guy and father and a hard worker who gave many hours of his time to the youth of his community."

Arnold Hammer said, "I had the pleasure of working for and with Ron in the past, and was proud to call him my friend. Ron was always very supportive as a manager and was always there to help a friend, even if it meant lending an ear. I am devastated by this tragedy, and will miss him."

All Taser incidents are investigated. The State Police Major Crime Squad is handling the probe, according to The Connecticut Post newspaper.