KEARNY, N.J. — The Kearny Police Department is taking a renewed look at the disappearance of Nicholas James Maschuci, a Kearny man who vanished more than 50 years ago and is appealing to anyone who still has information about the case to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously.
Maschuci, who was 60 years old at the time, was last seen in Kearny on September 18, 1974. He left his home for a reported business meeting in Brooklyn, New York, and was never heard from again. At the time of his disappearance, he was driving a white 1974 Mercury Grand Marquis. His case remains unresolved to this day and is listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as case MP9701.
“After more than five decades, Nicholas Maschuci’s family still does not have answers, and this Department has not closed the book on his case,” said Sgt. John Fabula of the Kearny Police Department Detective Bureau. “We’ve been back through this case, and we believe there are people who remember more than they realize. A conversation, a name, something that seemed unimportant in 1974 could matter now. We’re asking anyone with a memory of Nicholas or that time to reach out. Let us decide what’s useful.”
About Nicholas Maschuci
At the time he went missing, Maschuci was described as:
- White male, born December 3, 1913
- Approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, roughly 210 pounds
- Gray hair, balding, with blue eyes; he wore gold-rimmed bifocal eyeglasses and had an artificial right eye
- Known to use the nickname “Nicky”
Investigators recognize that given the passage of time, individuals who knew Maschuci, witnessed events surrounding his disappearance, or later learned relevant information may now be willing to speak. Even decades-old recollections may be valuable.
How to Submit a Tip
The Kearny Police Department is asking anyone with information about the disappearance of Nicholas Maschuci to contact investigators. Tips may be provided anonymously. No detail is too small.
Tips Line (Phone): 201-283-5656
Email: tips@kearnynjpd.org
By Mail: Kearny Police Department, Attn: Sgt. John Fabula, 237 Laurel Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032
Members of the public who wish to remain anonymous may do so; they are not required to provide their name or identifying information to share what they know.
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