Passing of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller ’10

Dear Saint Mary’s Community,

With profound sadness, we share with you the tragic news that, on Monday of this week, New York City Police Officer and Saint Mary’s High School alumnus Jonathan Diller ’10 made the ultimate sacrifice in his life of service.  Officer Diller was making a routine traffic stop when an occupant in the car opened fired. Officer Diller, even after being shot, still tried to disarm the shooter, and Officer Diller’s partner returned fire, subduing the shooter.  Office Diller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, but unfortunately, his wounds were too severe, and he did not survive. We mourn with his family and the entire community of the NYPD; we are proud of his selflessness, bravery, and service.

Jonathan was a much-loved member of the Saint Mary’s community. His physical education teacher, Mr. Nussbaum, remembered Jonathan “as a kind young man who always had a smile on his face.  Jonathan was a four-year member of our Lacrosse Team and, during that time, took part in winning two championships.”  

Mr. Welsh, one of his coaches, shared, “Jonathan Diller was a dedicated student-athlete when I had the honor to coach him for four years on the lacrosse field and teach him in my classes at St. Mary’s High School. My heart goes out to his family and the NYPD family.  He is a true hero and a beacon of light to shine a true path in life to be held high for all to see.”

Mr. Panetta, Jonathan’s English teacher and Varsity Lacrosse coach, remembers that “Jonathan was a student who was well-liked by everyone. He was a dedicated student-athlete, even accepting a role change from goalie to defenseman his senior year.  Jonathan started on defense and was instrumental in our 2010 NSCHSAA “A” championship team.  I still have Jonathan’s team picture in my classroom because he was part of such a special group.”

We will honor Jonathan’s memory as a school community at a future date.  

Wake
Thursday (March 28) and Friday (March 29)

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (each day)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (each day)

Massapequa Funeral Home
South Chapel

4980 Merrick Road

Massapequa, NY 11762

Funeral Mass
Saturday, March 30 - 10:30 AM

St. Rose of Lima Church
2 Bayview Avenue
Massapequa, NY 11758

 

For those who would like to offer direct assistance to Jonathan’s family, the Nassau County Police Department’s Seventh Precinct located at 3636 Merrick Road in Seaford (516-573-6700) is collecting donations for his wife and baby.

Please continue to pray for Jonathan, his wife Stephanie, his one-year-old son Ryan, who loved him dearly, his two siblings Jason ’03 and Jennifer ’05, his parents, in-laws, countless friends, and his brothers and sisters in the New York City Police Department. 

As we enter the sacred days of the Triduum of Christ’s own suffering, death, and resurrection, let us commend our brother Jonathan, his family, and ourselves to the Lord Jesus, whose death destroys death and brings us Eternal Life.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Prayerfully,

Pastor

President

Rev. Fr. Dominik Wegiel
School Chaplain

Mr. Gerard J. Buckley
Principal