Detective Jonathan Diller '10

Jonathan Diller was a devoted family man, decorated police officer, and proud St. Mary's alumnus who lived a life defined by service and dedication. A Long Island native from Franklin Square, he balanced his commitment to protecting his community with his roles as a loving husband to Stephanie, and father to their son Ryan.

As part of the class of 2010, 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. 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 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."

After graduating from St. Mary's, Jonathan earned a degree in marine transportation from SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. He worked at sea before answering the call to serve closer to home with the NYPD in 2021. During his three-year career, Detective Diller embraced challenging assignments in tough areas of the city, making 70 arrests and receiving three decorations for "excellent police duty." His exemplary service and ability to go "above and beyond everyone else" earned him selection to the elite Queens South community response team in 2023.

On March 25, 2024, then Officer Diller made the ultimate sacrifice during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. When an occupant in the vehicle opened fire, hitting him below his protective vest, he still attempted to disarm the shooter before he was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade by Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban.

Jonathan is survived by his wife Stephanie, their son Ryan (who was one year old at the time of his passing), siblings Jason '03 and Jennifer '05, and his parents, Steven and Fran. 

Detective Diller's exemplary service as a police officer and dedication to his family and the community are remembered through a St. Mary’s scholarship in his name. The Detective Jonathan Diller Scholarship is a testament to our shared values and the legacy of Jonathan, who led by example in the classroom, on the ice, and on the lacrosse field. This scholarship serves to not only provide financial support but also inspire future St. Mary's Gaels who aspire to live a life of service beyond self while achieving academic success.