Steven McDonald Funeral: NYPD Hero Cop Remembered For Love, Grace, Dedication

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Steven McDonald, the NYPD detective who barely survived being shot by a teen in Central Park and became an inspiration for the city when he offered forgiveness to his would-be killer, was remembered Friday at a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

At a service that included elected officials, sports heroes and television stars, McDonald was hailed as a relentlessly dedicated cop, an everlasting model of grace and a loving dad, brother and husband. He remained living and loving throughout the 30 years since he was shot until his death last week.

"He was the greatest man that I could ever ask to be my father," said McDonald's son, Conor, a six-year NYPD veteran. "He made his mission for all of us to realize that love must win."

The Midtown Manhattan streets surrounding the chapel, normally bustling with morning commuter traffic, were uncharacteristically silent as the funeral procession approached the towering, historic cathedral. NYPD officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder as bagpipes cried in the background, greeting their fallen friend who died Tuesday at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 59.

"Today, there is a unity in our city," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, praising McDonald, a third-generation cop, for his NYPD service.

McDonald "became the greatest embodiment of what it means to be a member of the NYPD," de Blasio continued. "He was synonymous with all that is great about our police department and our city."

In July 1986, during his second year on the force, McDonald was questioning three boys in Central Park. One of them, 15-year-old Shavod Jones, pulled out a gun and shot McDonald in the head, throat and spine. McDonald lived the rest of his life as a quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair, every one of his breaths for three decades assisted with the help of a respirator.

McDonald, though, would never hint at any bitterness.

At the baptism for his son, who was born six months after McDonald was shot, he famously offered his forgiveness to Jones, becoming a model of grace and peace. The officer went on speaking tours to NYPD precincts and far away countries to share his message.

“We all witnessed Steven’s unforgettable statement of forgiveness for the young man who had shot him in Central Park and paralyzed him," said Monsignor Seamus O'Boyle, who married McDonald and his wife, Patti Ann. "In a reversal of roles, it was Steven, a paralyzed man, who touched the lives of so many people," O'Boyle added.

NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill called McDonald "one of the most remarkable men I’ve ever met, and one of the most fearless cops to ever don the uniform."

McDonald became particularly close with the New York Rangers, and his son said some of his fondest memories were watching games with his dad. The team created the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, given to the player "who goes above and beyond the call of duty both on and off the ice."

Adam Graves, a retired Ranger and 5-time winner of the award, said, "to be associated with Steven McDonald's name is one of my greatest privileges."

Cardinal Timothy Dolan officiated the service. David Letterman, whom Conor said was "by my dad's side since day one," was in attendance and embraced Conor after the son's emotional eulogy.

Streets surrounding the cathedral were closed starting at 7:30 a.m. as officials expected thousands of friends, family and members of the public to attend the services. The funeral procession began at St. Agnes Parish Center in Rockville Centre and moved along the Long Island Expressway before reaching St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan. For the latest traffic alerts surrounding the funeral, click here.

The bagpipes wailed "Amazing Grace" as McDonald's casket arrived and was placed in front of the altar. As the blue-clad NYPD officers streamed in, paying respects in front of the casket before taking their seats in the wooden pews, a minister sang "How Great Thou Art" accompanied by the church's organ. Communion was taken during the service.

After Conor's eulogy, officers and other attendees spilled out onto the city streets outside the chapel. McDonald's casket was carried down the street, as officers watched it, standing at attention.

Watch below for a replay of the services, courtesy of St. Patrick's Cathedral:

SEE ALSO: Steven McDonald, NYPD Hero Cop Disabled On Duty, Dies At 59

Lead image via St. Patrick's Cathedral