Jersey City, NJ – Detective Marc A. DiNardo, Saint Peter’s College alumnus and member of the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD), passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Jersey City Medical Center after being fatally wounded in the line of duty five days earlier.
DiNardo, 37, graduated from Saint Peter’s in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. During his time at the College, he worked as a dispatcher in the warrant department of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.
Reflected Saint Peter’s College President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., “This is a tragedy on so many levels. Marc was dedicated to his family and community. He put duty above his own personal safety. At Saint Peter’s College we know and love the DiNardo family – and we are proud that Marc was a graduate of Saint Peter’s. We will not forget his heroism, and we pray for Marc and his family.” Two Masses were held on the Jersey City campus to pray for DiNardo’s recovery; all flags are now being flown at half-mast in his honor.
DiNardo joined the JCPD on March 17, 1999, when he was assigned to the East District Patrol Division. Two years ago, he joined the Emergency Services Unit, a 35-person division trained to handle crisis situations, in which individuals receive Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), SCUBA and bomb-technician training.
During his 10 years with the JCPD, DiNardo received seven Excellent Police Service awards, including two commendations and the World Trade Center award for his services in the Jersey City police force. DiNardo was a registered organ donor; upon passing, his heart, kidneys and lungs were among other organs donated through the New Jersey Organ Donation Sharing Network to those awaiting transplants.
DiNardo was one of five officers injured in last Thursday’s early-morning shootout that left two robbery suspects dead. He passed away after being sustained by life support since the incident.
“Perhaps we will take this time to reflect on the terrible price that guns exact on our families and communities,” also noted President Cornacchia.
DiNardo, who would have celebrated his 38th birthday on July 22, 2009, is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Gwendolyn, 4, Marc Anthony II, 3, and Ella, 1; his father, retired Jersey City Police Lieutenant Paul DiNardo; his mother, Mary; as well as extended family and many friends. He is the 38th Jersey City Police officer to die in line of duty since the department’s inception in 1829.
DiNardo’s wake will take place on Thursday, July 23, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the McLaughlin Funeral Home, located at 625 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City. The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Aedan’s Church, located at 800 Bergen Avenue in Jersey City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward scholarship funds established by the Jersey City Police Officer Benevolent Association (JCPOBA). All contributions should be made to: JCPOBA Marc Anthony DiNardo memorial fund, P.O. Box 17395, Jersey City, N.J., 07307.
Additionally, the JCPOBA and New Jersey Blood Services will sponsor a blood drive in honor of DiNardo and others officers shot in the line of duty. The blood drive will be held in the second floor cafeteria of Newport Towers at 525 Washington Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, July 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.