Fundraiser Set for November 20
A press conference was recently held at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh to announce a scholarship fund in memory of Detective Jonathan Diller, that will be given by St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Diller’s alma mater.
Diller was tragically murdered in the line of duty on March 25, leaving behind wife Stephanie and a young child. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, alongside Stephanie Diller, members of St. Mary’s School and the NYPD, acknowledged Larry Weinberger, president of MGD Realty, for spearheading the scholarship initiative and contributing the first $5,000 to get it off the ground.
“Detective Diller’s dedication to police work, and his love of being a police officer, was apparent to all who knew him,” Weinberger said. “This fund will create a never-ending legacy for Detective Diller as every year the high school Jonathan attended, St. Mary’s, will select a student(s) in need of support pursuing their education and career goals.”
School Principal Gerard Buckley said the school is in the process of finalizing the criteria for the scholarship. “The administration of Saint Mary’s High School is working alongside his widow, Stephanie, to ensure that the scholarship will be awarded to a student who has expressed a desire to pursue a law enforcement career and embodies her late husband’s values.”
A 2010 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Jonathan learned the importance of values, service, community and respect while achieving academic success. This well-rounded education was important to him and led him to a career in law enforcement. Stephanie and her family want others to have the same opportunity that Jonathan did at St. Mary’s, which led to the creation of this scholarship initiative.
“The Town of Oyster Bay never forgets its hometown heroes, and Officer Diller sacrificed his life because of his bravery and undeterred commitment to serving the public and keeping us safe,” said Saladino. “He will forever be remembered as a hometown hero, and the Detective Jonathan Diller Scholarship Fund launched today will ensure people will forever remember him.”
“Jonathan always talked so fondly about his time there and he always was involved in sports and was very active and that’s what made him into the person he was,” said Stephanie. “I want the scholarship to go to someone who is just like Jonathan and to have that experience and to continue for people to become like him… We need more of Jonathan in the world.”
“St. Mary’s High School is pleased to announce that the memory and legacy of Detective Jonathan Diller, Class of 2010, will be honored by establishing a scholarship fund in his name,” said Eileen Symmons, communications director for St. Mary’s Parish and Schools. “Jonathan was our brother in Christ who led by example in the classrooms and on the lacrosse field. Detective Diller’s exemplary service as a police officer—and dedication to his family and the community—will be remembered through this scholarship as a lasting tribute. It will support deserving students in pursuing academic achievement, athleticism, teamwork, Catholic faith, and service.”
Buckley and Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Matthew Panetta attended and spoke at the announcement on behalf of St. Mary’s High School, where Jonathan was a popular student and lacrosse player from 2007 to 2010.
“We are grateful to Mr. Larry Weinberger of MGD Investments and his team for spearheading the fundraiser at Mulcahy’s on November 20, 2024, which will officially launch the Detective Jonathan Diller Scholarship Fund,” Buckley said. “We are immensely blessed and express our humble gratitude to Mrs. Stephanie Diller, who has generously directed all proceeds from the event to be donated to St. Mary’s High School in her husband’s name.”
A scholarship fundraiser will take place at Mulcahy’s, located at 3232 Railroad Avenue in Wantagh, on November 20, starting at 6:30 p.m., with the goal being to raise $100,000. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased by clicking here.
“With the generosity of the Long Island business owners, community members, and supporters from all over the region, we anticipate the scholarship will take seed and become a lasting tribute to Jonathan’s name, significantly impacting our school community and future students of St. Mary’s,” said Symmons.
Local businesses are also invited to participate in the scholarship fund by calling MGD Realty at (516) 409-1800 in advance to make arrangements. To donate, click here.