The victim, who had a previous heart condition, reportedly went into cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead at Astoria General Hospital.
Police say he was beaten by a 43-year-old man as he escorted a longtime female neighbor through the neighborhood.
The heartless suspect, who witnesses appeared to be impaired or on drugs, was taken into custody. Charges against him are pending.
The female neighbor said Nowillo was like a father to her. Some neighbors said they referred to the diminutive man as the "Mayor of Long Island City."
Nowillo's stunned daughter said her father was just "trying to do the right thing."
The victim recently retired. He leaves behind a wife, two children and two grandchildren.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Lakisha Bostick
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