Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli in Middle Village, Queens, recently raised over $15,000 to benefit the family of slain NYPD cop Jonathan Diller. The deli sold 2,217 chicken-cutlet sandwiches, donating $5 from each sale of their special “The NYPD” hoagie to Diller’s widow, Stephanie Diller, and their 1-year-old son, Ryan. The effort generated $11,085 in sales, with an additional $4,100 collected in separate donations, bringing the total amount raised to $15,185. The deli owner, Joe DiGangi, expressed his gratitude for the support received from the local community and people across the country.
A Go Fund Me page set up for the Diller family has raised over $1 million, and combined with donations from other sources, including Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy, the total sum for the family exceeds $2 million. The funds raised will provide support for Stephanie and Ryan Diller during a difficult time and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they are facing. DiGangi thanked everyone involved in the fundraising efforts, emphasizing the impact of their kindness and generosity on restoring faith in humanity.
Queens Councilman Robert Holden commended Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli, as well as the local community, for their charitable contributions to the Diller family. He highlighted the support shown by residents towards law enforcement and the unity displayed in coming together to assist the family in need. The response from Mario’s Meat Market and the neighborhood underscores the solidarity and compassion present within the community during challenging circumstances.
Jonathan Diller was tragically shot in the stomach while on patrol in March by career criminal Guy Rivera, 34, in Far Rockaway. Rivera, who has a lengthy criminal history with 21 prior arrests, spent five years in state prison for a drug conviction before being released in 2021. He faces charges of murder in the first and second degrees, attempted murder, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted. Lindy Jones, who was present during the killing, is also facing charges related to criminal possession of a weapon.
The devastating loss of Officer Diller has united the community, as evidenced by the outpouring of support for his family from Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli and other donors. The donations and fundraising efforts have provided financial assistance and emotional support to Stephanie and Ryan Diller as they navigate this challenging time. The generosity and compassion displayed by individuals and businesses involved in the fundraising initiatives have showcased the resilience and empathy within the community during a tragedy. The fundraising efforts have not only alleviated some of the family’s financial burdens but also served as a testament to the solidarity and care present in times of need.
