Elderly Mam'k Driver Killed in Collision with Ambulance

by Judy Silberstein

(October 16, 2008) Donato Protano, 90, of Mamaroneck Village was killed on Tuesday, October 14 when the 1999 Chevrolet he was driving on Mamaroneck Avenue near Sheldrake Place collided with an ambulance responding to a call at around 8:30 pm. (See: Obituaries: Donato Protano)

According to Lt. James Gaffney, spokesperson for Mamaroneck Village Police Department, police used their night sticks to break open the back window of the car to allow a member of the Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) crew to enter the vehicle, unlock the door on the passenger side and begin treating Mr. Protano.

“He did appear to be without signs of life when he was extricated, but they were working on him, “ said Lt. Gaffney. MEMS staff administered CPR and Mr. Protano was rushed to Sound Shore Hospital in New Rochelle, but he did not revive.

“You have a call for service, you have EMS members responding to provide aid for a child, and due to an unfortunate set of circumstances a collision occurs and a life is lost,” said Lt. Gaffney. “I didn’t know the gentleman, but I only heard nice things about him.”

The accident occurred as Mr. Protano was exiting onto Mamaroneck Avenue from the Alessandro Manzoni Sons of Italy Lodge, where he had been a decades-long member. The ambulance was traveling south on Mamaroneck Avenue with lights flashing and siren blaring, according to Michael Liverzani, administrator of Larchmont and Mamaroneck’s tri-municipal ambulance district.

Mr. Liverzani issued the following statement: “The ambulance district extends its condolences to the family of the deceased as a result of the tragic accident that took place on October 14th. An initial investigation has revealed that all procedures and protocols for responding to an emergency call were being followed at the time of the accident. A police investigation is ongoing and the results will be released upon completion.”

The driver of the ambulance, a paramedic, and the front seat passenger, another MEMS crew member, were taken by Harrison’s ambulance to White Plains Hospital. They were treated and released. Two other MEMS crew members in the back of the van did not require treatment. A Larchmont ambulance responded to the original call and transported a child in need of attention to White Plains Hospital, according to Mr. Liverzani, who said there was no “untoward result” of the delay.

The ambulance district includes the Larchmont/Town of Mamaroneck Ambulance Corps (VAC), with a base at 155 Weaver Street near Palmer Avenue, and the Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), housed at 220 S. Barry Avenue near the Boston Post Road.

The district has offered counseling to all of the affected personnel. “This is very traumatic for all of us,” said Mr. Liverzani.

Donato Protano

The accident was also traumatic for Mr. Protano’s fellow lodge members. Joe Di Betta a friend for 65 years, said, “He came here every day. He enjoyed talking to people, he enjoyed a cappuccino or espresso - he wasn’t a smoker or a drinker, you know what I’m saying.”

Mr. Protano would get a ride to and from the lodge on most nights, said Mr. Di Betta. “Why he drove a car last night, I couldn’t tell you.”

Mr. Di Betta disputed reports, published in the Journal News, that Mr. Protano had been making a U-turn when the collision occurred. “That’s not true. He was pulling out from the parking space and was making a left turn into Sheldrake Place. I know his route. We all know his route – he wasn’t making a U-turn. He lives on Barry Avenue [north of the collision site]."

Mr. Protano was born in Rocca Secca, in central Italy, and later came to the United States with his family. Before retiring, he worked in auto repair and owned Dan’s Auto Body. He was a charter member and past president of the Alessandro Manzoni Sons of Italy in America Lodge, which Mr. Di Betta said had been in operation for around 93 years and is affiliated with the national . Order of Sons of Italy in America

At one time, the Mamaroneck lodge was a place for Italian immigrants to network and find jobs, but in recent years it has become more of a gathering place, explained Mr. Di Betta.

Mr. Protano “was a good guy, a jolly fellow. He did a lot for the lodge over the years and will surely be missed,” concluded Mr. Di Betta.

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