Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli in Middle Village is selling "The NYPD" sandwich -- with $5 from each sale going to support the Diller family.
© Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com + © MCKENZIE LANGE/ Staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Queens, NY) – Following a heartbreaking weekend that saw murdered NYPD officer Jonathan Diller laid to rest, members of the New York City community are continuing to come together in support of the family.
At Mario’s Meat Market and Gourmet Deli in Middle Village, Queens, that includes selling a new sandwich in support of the fallen hero. Dubbed “The NYPD” sandwich, each sub includes chicken cutlets, prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze. And every one sold will result in $5 being donated to Diller’s widow Stephania as well as the couple’s one-year-old son Ryan.
Joe DiGangi, spoke to the New York Post over the weekend: “Officer Diller’s murder gave me the chills. It hit me. I have two young boys. I couldn’t imagine not being at their hockey game.”
It was last Monday, March 25, when the 31-year-old Diller was shot and killed while investigating a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. His alleged killer and the driver of the car the pair were traveling in are now facing charges. Each has a long arrest record, and Diller’s killing have led to renewed calls for changes to New York’s bail laws.
Robert Holden, a City Council member, is a Democrat who strikes a more conservative tone when talking about his support for police. He also spoke with The Post and said: “I was at Officer Diller’s funeral. I was in tears. (Deli owner) Joe DiGangi is doing a good thing. He cares about the neighborhood. He appreciates the cops and the sacrifices families make. People want to do something to help the family. That’s the kind of district I have. We support the police,” Holden said.
Each “The NYPD” sandwich costs $16. The deli hopes to raise a good portion for the devastated family, and will advertise the sandwich to their 250,000 followers on social media.
DiGangi says he just wants to do whatever he can, noting “Every little bit helps. We can’t bring Officer Diller, back but at least we can give his wife a little peace of mind.”
