Parishioners of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Bensonhurst are mourning the shocking death of Nicola Tanzi, a longtime usher remembered as a man of deep faith and kindness. Tanzi, 64, was brutally attacked in a Brooklyn subway station on October 7 and later died from his injuries.
According to police, Tanzi was beaten by 25-year-old David Mazariegos at the Jay Street–MetroTech subway station. He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Deacon Anthony Mammoliti, who serves at St. Dominic’s, described Tanzi as “probably the most Christ-like parishioner I’ve encountered.” He said Tanzi faithfully served as an usher at the Italian Mass for over a decade, always greeting parishioners with warmth and humility.
“He was a man who would give of himself,” the deacon recalled. “He would gladly swap shifts at work so that others could have time with their families. He was always smiling, always kind.”
The parish community has been left in disbelief by the tragic news. “We’re all in a state of shock,” said Deacon Mammoliti. “The saying, ‘Bad things happen to good people,’ feels painfully true today.”
Deacon John Heyer of Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen Catholic Church in Carroll Gardens also mourned Tanzi, describing him as “a simple, good person” and “the type who went to work, came home, and served his community faithfully.”
Despite the brutality of the attack, Deacon Mammoliti said Tanzi’s strong faith would have led him to forgiveness rather than anger.
“If he had survived, he would have forgiven his assailant,” he said. “That’s the kind of man he was — a tremendous man of faith, a good soul, and a true Christian.”
Mammoliti urged parishioners to honor Tanzi’s memory by living according to the Gospel’s call to forgive. “Our first reaction is revenge,” he said, “but we are called to be people of faith. We honor Mr. Tanzi best by choosing forgiveness over hatred.”
The Diocese of Brooklyn and the St. Dominic’s Parish community continue to grieve the loss of Nicola Tanzi — a man remembered not for wealth or power, but for his faith, kindness, and quiet service to others.
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