It’s been a quarter century since Anthony Mosomillo was shot and killed during an arrest, but his loved ones continue to celebrate his life.

Margaret Mosomillo, Anthony’s wife, says the pain still lingers 25 years later.  

“He actually loved being a cop, he loved the 67th Precinct,” said Margaret. “He kind of stood still and everybody else rotated around him, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.” 

Margaret met Anthony in 1988, marrying, buying a house, and having a child in the 10 years following. On May 26, 1998, she was greeted at her job by her boss and a representative of the NYPD who delivered her the horrible news.  

Anthony Mosomillo and his partner were in East Flatbush to arrest a man on parole who missed his court date, and the encounter turned violent, as the suspect’s girlfriend attacked the two and the suspect got hold of Mosomillo’s partner’s gun. The suspect fired and hit Anthony.  

“He was shot four times and he was in surgery,” said Margaret. “It looked fine, I thought it looked good. But he wound up dying eight hours later.” 

Anthony left behind his wife, his two daughters and his badge number, which was retired before his daughter joined the NYPD and took the number.  

Francesca Mosomillo, who has been a member of the NYPD for four years, wears the badge with honor.  

“I know how much he loved being a police officer,” said Francesca. “I think it’s a career that made me feel purpose, like giving back to the community.”