Detectives seek new tips in 1974 disappearance of Nicholas Maschuci
KEARNY, NJ — More than five decades after a Kearny businessman vanished on his way to a meeting in Brooklyn, local detectives are taking a fresh look at the unsolved disappearance and urging anyone with information to finally come forward.
The Kearny Police Department announced it is renewing its investigation into the disappearance of Nicholas James Maschuci, who was 60 years old when he was last seen on Sept. 18, 1974.
According to investigators, Maschuci left his Kearny home for what was described as a business meeting in Brooklyn, New York. He was driving a white 1974 Mercury Grand Marquis and was never heard from again.
His disappearance remains unsolved 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,” Sgt. John Fabula of the Kearny Police Department Detective Bureau said in a statement.
Fabula said investigators believe people may still remember details that could help solve the case.
“We’ve been back through this case, and we believe there are people who remember more than they realize,” Fabula said. “A conversation, a name, something that seemed unimportant in 1974 could matter now.”
At the time of his disappearance, Maschuci was described as a White man standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 210 pounds. He had gray, balding hair, blue eyes, wore gold-rimmed bifocal eyeglasses and had an artificial right eye. He was also known by the nickname “Nicky.”
Police said even decades-old memories could provide valuable investigative leads.
Anyone with information about Maschuci’s disappearance is asked to contact the Kearny Police Department’s tip line at 201-283-5656, email tips@kearnynjpd.org, or write to the Kearny Police Department, Attn: Sgt. John Fabula, 237 Laurel Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032.
Police said anonymous tips are accepted.
Key Points
- Kearny police have renewed their investigation into the 1974 disappearance of Nicholas James Maschuci.
- Maschuci vanished after leaving for a business meeting in Brooklyn and has never been found.
- Detectives are urging anyone with information, no matter how old, to contact investigators.
