84-year-old Ben Malaspina was hit by a van early Tuesday morning while walking on South Michigan Avenue.
Malaspina served as police chief from 1980 until his retirement in 1990.
Police say the van's driver is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Roselle Park Mayor, Joseph Accardi said, "As a community, we mourn the loss of a great man who was dedicated to Roselle Park. He will be long remembered and missed."
