Massachusetts man who died after physical scuffle remembered as dedicated youth football coach as suspect arraigned on manslaughter charge

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Waltham Chief of Police Kevin O’Connell have confirmed that Timothy Scalisi, 31 of Waltham was arraigned today in Waltham District Court on charges of manslaughter and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury following an assault on Nicholas Dagostino, 23 of Waltham that occurred on May 27, 2026, at Woodside’s Service Station on Weston Street in Waltham.

The preliminary investigation indicates that on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at approximately 8:49 a.m., Waltham Police responded to 305 Weston Street following a physical altercation between two men that had occurred near the parking lot entrance.

Upon arrival police located the victim, identified as Nicholas Dagostino, sitting on the shop steps, rubbing his head. The victim told police he was driving his vehicle, a white box truck, in the left lane heading toward the Route 20 Rotary near the Woodside’s gas station. He was trying to enter the parking lot, but it was partially blocked by another vehicle in front of him. That vehicle was later identified as the defendant’s, a white Hyundai Tuscan.

Both the defendant and the victim subsequently exchanged words and got out of their vehicles. A physical struggle followed between the two men where the defendant allegedly picked up the victim and brought him violently to the ground.

After the assault the victim was nauseous, vomiting and confused before he was transported to the hospital. Despite medical intervention, Dagostino died at Lahey Burlington Medical Center on May 29, 2026.

It was later learned that Dagostino suffered a brain bleed and had a small fracture to the right side of the lower rear portion of skull as a result of the assault.

Investigators were able to identify the defendant using surveillance camera footage obtained from the gas station and other area businesses.

Lowell Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading issued a tribute to Dagostino who loved football.

“Today we remember and honor a great friend, coach, mentor, and member of the Lowell Pop Warner family Nick (Dagga) Dagostino

“Your dedication to the kids, your passion for the game, and the positive impact you made on so many young athletes will never be forgotten. You taught far more than football you taught teamwork, discipline, respect, and heart.

“The sidelines won’t be the same without you, but your legacy will live on through every player, coach, and family whose life you touched.

“Thank you for your friendship, your guidance, and the countless memories. Rest easy, Coach. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Scalisi pled not guilty at arraignment and was being held on $100,000 bond/$10,000 cash with a pretrial hearing scheduled for July 2nd.

This remains an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Waltham Police and Massachusetts State Police. As part of that investigation police are asking members of the public to review any video they might have and to contact police if they saw or heard anything in connection with this incident.

Members of the public with information should contact Waltham Police in one of the following ways: