Gut-wrenching photos show Jonathan Diller’s 1-year-old son reaching out from behind fallen NYPD detective’s casket
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Photos captured the gut-wrenching moment that fallen NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s 1-year-old son reached out behind his flag-draped casket — while his heartbroken widow Stephanie tenderly kissed the tot’s head.
Ryan Diller watched from his mother’s arms as his father’s casket was carried out of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park following the Saturday morning funeral.
As the casket was lowered into the waiting hearse, Ryan appeared to reach his arm out in its direction.
Stephanie Diller — who is now a widow and a single mother at just 29 — then placed a kiss on the boy’s head.
The pair also watched as a helicopter flew over the scene, which seemed to intrigue the youngster.
The flag that covered Diller’s casket was then ceremonially folded and handed to Stephanie, who was joined by several members of the fallen cop’s extended family.
Ryan — who just turned one on Jan. 10 — was described throughout the funeral as the apple of Detective Diller’s eye.
The three-year NYPD veteran was delighted when his son’s first word was “Dada,” Stephanie recalled during her tearful but stoic eulogy.
“Now, I never want to stop hearing Ryan say ‘Dada’ to me,” she told the packed church.
What to know about the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller:
- Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on March 25, 2024.
- Suspect Guy Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller on Monday evening after the cop approached the vehicle Rivera was in for parking in front of a bus stop.
- Diller was shot once in the stomach below his bulletproof vest. The married father of a 1-year-old boy was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
- Rivera was wounded when Diller’s partner returned fire. The suspect has 21 prior arrests and was found to have a shiv stored in his rectum during the shooting — in apparent anticipation of being sent to jail again.
- Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel of the car during the shooting, was also arrested after a second gun was found in his car.
- Mayor Eric Adams has renewed his calls for Albany to address criminal recidivism following the shooting involving two suspects with lengthy criminal records.
Follow The Post’s complete coverage of fallen NYPD Officer Diller’s wake
Also during the service, Diller was promoted to Detective First Grade with the new shield number 110, in honor of Ryan’s birthday.
Following the service, Stephanie, Ryan and the rest of the family proceeded to St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale for the burial.
The route to the cemetery was lined with 19 flag arches, The Post observed.