These were chops for a cause.
A Queens deli sold 2,217 chicken cutlet sandwiches to help the family of murdered NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, raising more than $15,000.
Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli in Middle Village donated $5 from each sale of “The NYPD” special hoagie – chicken schnitzel, prosciutto, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula drizzled with balsamic glaze – to widow Stephanie Diller and couple 1- one year old son, Ryan.
Owner Joe DiGangi said the 2,217 sandwiches sold generated $11,085 to give to Diller’s family, but he raised another $4,100 in separate donations, for a total of $15,185.
“We have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community and that of people across the country,” DiGangi said.
A separate Go Fund Me page has raised more than $1 million, he noted in an Instagram post.
More than $2 million has been provided for the entire Diller family, including donations from Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy and others.
“All of us at Mario’s would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your assistance in raising funds for PO Diller’s wife and baby boy. We thank you on their behalf and hope that the kindness you have all shown will help restore your faith in humanity, as much as ours,” DiGangi said.
Queens City Councilman Robert Holden, who represents Middle Village where Mario’s grocery store is located, praised the restaurant and voters for their charity to the Diller family.
“I am proud to represent a community that supports our law enforcement and can come together to help the Diller family during this difficult time.” Mario’s Meats and my neighbors constantly step up when it counts,” Holden said.
Diller was on patrol in March when he was shot in the stomach by career criminal Guy Rivera, 34. Diller and his partner approved Rivera’s vehicle, which was parked outside a bus stop, on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, according to video and police.
Rivera is also a seasoned felon with 21 arrests under his belt and spent five years in state prison for a drug conviction before being released in 2021 and completing his parole in 2022.
Rivera – who was charged with first and second degree murder, attempted first and second degree murder, four counts of second degree criminal possession of a weapon and third degree criminal possession of a weapon for the homicide — could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted, prosecutors said.
Lindy Jones, the 41-year-old ex-convict who was in charge during the killing, faces multiple charges of criminal possession of a weapon and faces 15 years in prison.
New York Post
