‘He has always been a hero.’ Fallen NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller remembered at funeral
The NYPD officer from Massapequa Park was posthumously promoted to detective first grade during the service.
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Mourners gathered at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Saturday for the funeral of Jonathan Diller.
The NYPD detective from Massapequa Park was fatally shot in the line of duty Monday evening in Far Rockaway.
Stephanie Diller carried their infant son Ryan into the church.
VIDEO: Stephanie Diller's eulogy for her husband Detective Jonathan Diller
"Our lives were pretty much perfect until five days ago when everything changed forever," Stephanie Diller said while delivering her husband's eulogy. She described him as someone with an infectious personality who always dreamed of being a father.
"It breaks my heart that Ryan was robbed of getting to know him," she continued. "My husband died as a hero, but he also lived as one. Our world will never be the same."
Stephanie Diller also expressed gratitude for the support she and her family has received.
"I wish Jonathan was here to see the incredible kindness and generosity that has been shown to our family, but I know, in his own way, he is here watching over us," she added. "I am so proud that thousands of people across the country are calling Jonathan a hero, but the truth is he has always been a hero to Ryan and me. The rest of the world is just catching up."
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban announced during the funeral that Diller was posthumously promoted to detective first grade. He said Diller was an ambitious officer who took a loaded gun off the street days before he was killed.
VIDEO: NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban's eulogy for fallen Detective Jonathan Diller
"He went toward the danger. He put himself in harm’s way. And he did it so that other New Yorkers wouldn't have to," Caban said.
VIDEO: Mayor Eric Adams' eulogy for fallen Detective Jonathan Diller
Thousands had earlier paid their respects during wake services on Thursday and Friday.
The streets of Massapequa were lined with fellow officers, officers from across the country and Canada, first responders and Long Island residents who came to mourn Diller's loss.
Diller was buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
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