Hundreds of mourners gathered in Mendham Borough, New Jersey, on Wednesday for the funeral of Erin Guiltinan Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America vice president fatally stabbed in Times Square last week. Piacenti, who had just returned from maternity leave after the birth of her first child, was killed in an unprovoked attack on August 31 while walking near Penn Station with her husband.
The suspect, a woman with a history of mental illness, allegedly stabbed Piacenti and another bystander on Seventh Avenue. Police have not released the suspect’s identity or motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Piacenti, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Fordham University School of Law, worked at the Manhattan-based law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell before joining Bank of America. She met her husband, Frank Piacenti, in law school, and the couple married in 2024. Their daughter, Madison, was born in March.
Funeral and Mourning
A wake was held Tuesday evening at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mendham Borough, where hundreds of mourners paid their respects. The funeral Mass took place Wednesday morning at the same location. Local police coordinated traffic as attendees arrived in small groups between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The family has established a GoFundMe campaign for Madison, which has raised nearly $1 million as of Tuesday. The campaign’s organizer noted that August 31 was Piacenti’s first day back at Bank of America after maternity leave.
Background on the Attack
Piacenti and her husband had returned from a vacation celebrating their two-year anniversary the day before the attack. The couple was walking near Penn Station when the suspect allegedly approached them without warning. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect targeted Piacenti specifically or acted randomly.
The attack occurred amid heightened concerns about public safety in Times Square, a high-traffic area frequented by tourists and commuters. New York City officials have not indicated any immediate policy changes in response to the incident.
Community and Family Response
Piacenti’s family described her as the oldest of five siblings and a dedicated professional who balanced a high-powered career with family life. Colleagues at Bank of America and Davis Polk & Wardwell have offered condolences, though the company has not issued a public statement beyond acknowledging the tragedy.
The suspect remains in custody pending further investigation. Authorities have not provided additional details about her identity or criminal history.