(Photo by CRAIG MICHAUD) Nashua police officers, including members of the Police Relief Association, gather with family members of the late Officer Edward "Rocky" Graziano during Sunday's ceremony naming the roundabout at Main and South Main streets in his honor. Graziano was killed on Aug. 14, 1964, when he was struck by a car while making a traffic stop between the intersection and Hayward's Ice Cream.

NASHUA — The roundabout installed several years ago where Main and South Main streets and the Daniel Webster Highway converge now stands in silent tribute to a Nashua police motorcycle officer whose attempted traffic stop suddenly turned into tragedy some 58 years ago Sunday.

The dedication of the “Officer Edward ‘Rocky’ Graziano Memorial Circle” drew numerous Nashua police officers, many of them Police Relief Association members and retirees, who gathered with a sizeable contingent of the late officer’s family members at the site, just a stone’s throw north of Hayward’s Ice Cream.

Graziano, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, was just 26 — and the father of three children under age 6 — when he was killed the evening of Aug. 14, 1964.

“In recognition of Officer Graziano’s dedication and service to the City of Nashua, we take great pride in dedicating the traffic circle in his honor,” Nashua police Capt. Clark Gaphardt said.

He added that the department is grateful for the support of the Graziano family and the Board of Aldermen in bringing the project to fruition.

A full story and additional photos are forthcoming at www.nashuatelegraph.com.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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