The brutal and unfair killing of Mark Iacono

To know my father was to know a man full of love, compassion, and selflessness. He dedicated his life to helping others through Alcoholics Anonymous at a meeting called "The Pit." He would always say to me, "V, you don’t understand how many people I’m helping," and he would share the stories of those he was guiding through their battles with addiction.

Since I was a child, my dad made sure I knew how much he loved me. He revolved his life around us, gave us wisdom, endless loves and priceless memories. He was always a constant presence in my life and amazing father figure, whether cheering at sports games, or just simply offering his unwavering support and love.

As he faced financial struggles later in life, he lost material possessions, but gained something far more profound which was his deep sense of fulfillment in giving to others at the Pit meetings. My dad no longer sought after wealth or possessions, but he instead found even more happiness in helping others along their journey, helping others battle through their pain, Always offering kindness, love and guidance to those in need.

On the night of my father’s recent and tragic death, he was taken from us in such a horrific manner. After a regular meeting at The Pit, on that cold winter Thursday night at 9pm, the sacred ground to which he had given so much, (Bayshore United Methodist Church), suddenly and shockingly became the scene of an unimaginable crime. Despite witnesses' attempts to intervene, his killer broke free and beat him to death.

The man who killed him is a well-off individual with a caption’s pension from nyc FDNY, and owns two assisted living facilities. He has wealth, power and influence; but that did not stop him from committing this heinous act.

My father did so much for so many, and now we are asking for help to honor his memory and cover the costs of his funeral and legal expenses. I want to make sure he receives the justice he deserves, and that his legacy of kindness and compassion lives on…

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for helping us honor my dad’s life, his memory, and the love he gave to so many.

Thank you for reading