Coronavirus Deaths: Remembering NY, NJ and CT residents lost to COVID-19

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Monday, June 8, 2020

NEW YORK (WABC) -- As the national death toll surpasses 100,000, we remember the tens of thousands in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who have died because of COVID-19.

Those we have lost come from every walk of life - first responders, educators, celebrities, politicians, doctors, nurses, and many, many others.

We will never forget any of those taken from us.

Here are some of the people from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who have lost their lives:

May 2020

William Morris, NYPD Chief
NYPD Chief of Transportation William Morris has died of COVID-19 after nearly 39 years of service to New York City. Morris had been hospitalized on life support for months and Commissioner Dermot Shea announced he died Saturday.

Morris is considered the highest-ranking NYPD official to die of coronavirus. He was 61, a three-star chief, and oversaw the traffic division and the NYPD's highway patrol.

Joel Revzen
A second member of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra died due to complications relating to COVID-19, the opera announced. Joel Revzen was an assistant conductor with the orchestra since 1999.

"He shared his profound expertise and musicality in rehearsals as a thoughtful, kind, and supportive presence that endeared him to colleagues," the opera said in a statement.

He made his Met conducting debut in 2017 leading performances of Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin and has led symphony and opera performances throughout North America and Europe.

John Von Sternberg
The New York Times reports, "People who knew him agree that John von Sternberg would have been surprised by the outpouring of affection directed toward him since his death from COVID-19 on May 7 at 79.

He would have been baffled, they say, by how many cars, fire trucks and motorcycles joined in a procession through his town, Mountain Lakes, N.J., in his honor on May 14, a tribute that ended at the local fire station, where he had been a volunteer for 60 years."

Anthony and Elizabeth Giogianni
Anthony and Elizabeth Giorgianni, better known as Rocky and Betsy, were married for over 61 years. They died within days of each other.

Kamal Ahmed
He led Bangladesh Society of New York for many years. Kamal Ahemd also spent decades catering to dignitaries, diplomats and presidents as a banquet worker at the Millennium Hilton Hotel at One United Nations Plaza in Manhattan.

Conrad Ifill
The owner of Conrad's Famous Bakery in Brooklyn learned to bake out of necessity to help feed his large family. Ifill was a fixture in central Brooklyn's Little Caribbean neighborhood, known for his generosity and his nine rum fruit cake.

Dr. James Mahoney, doctor at University Hospital in Brooklyn
Family and colleagues are mourning the loss of a beloved Brooklyn doctor who died from COVID-19. University Hospital in Brooklyn has seen its share of deaths during the coronavirus pandemic, but the loss of Dr. James Mahoney has shaken the staff to its core.

Sandra Bookman reports family and colleagues are mourning the loss of a beloved Brooklyn doctor who died from COVID-19.

NYPD School Safety Agent Melvin Rascoe
The NYPD announced the death of School Safety Agent Melvin Rascoe, who battled the disease for almost a month and a half. Melvin served with the NYPD for nearly 15 years and kept thousands of students in Queens safe.

Charles Roberts, Glen Ridge police officer
Glen Ridge Police Officer and PBA Local 58 member Charles "Rob" Roberts died from COVID-19. Roberts is being remembered as a staple in his community who was known for his smile.

Dr. Gerald Glisson, Principal of Paterson's Eastside High School

Gov. Murphy paid his respects to the principal of Paterson's Eastside High School Dr. Gerald Glisson, who died of COVID-19.

Capt. Andrew DiMaggio, New Rochelle firefighter
31-year veteran Capt. Andrew DiMaggio died of COVID-19. The New Rochelle Fire Department announced his death in a Facebook post and called him "what every firefighter aspires to be."

George Anthony Callas, NJ resident who had Down Syndrome
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy memorialized 'Georgie' Callas. Callas was only 27 years old when he passed on Friday. He had Down Syndrome, and while he could not communicate verbally, he would always show his love by showering the people he knew with hugs and kisses.

Luis Fernando Marulanda, 9/11 hero who helped pilot NJ ferries
Luis Fernando Marulanda came to the United States from Colombia when he was 22 years old. He was a longtime employee of NJ Transit and NY Waterway. He helped pilot the ferries that shuttled residents back home across the Hudson River on 9/11.

Michael Conners Sr., Newark, NJ police officer

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tweeted "Michael Conners Sr. had three loves: family, cars, and work. He proudly served the people of Newark as a police office for 26 years. On behalf of our state, we thank him for his selfless service and we keep the whole Conners family in our prayers."

Edward Ciocca, White Plains firefighter
White Plains Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 274 announced the death of Deputy Chief Edward Ciocca due to complications from COVID-19. He is remembered as a loving father, devoted fireman, a leader and a caring friend.

He was a second-generation firefighter who served for 35 years and rose to the rank of Deputy Chief just like his father.

Stanley Heneson, NYPD
Traffic Enforcement Agent Stanley Heneson died from complications related to COVID-19. Stanley, who was assigned to the Brooklyn Traffic Enforcement Unit, dutifully served the NYPD and the people of New York City for more than six years.

Paul Cary, FEMA volunteer paramedic
Paul Cary, 66, was a volunteer paramedic from Colorado, who volunteered for assignment at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.
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You can view more remembrances from March and April by clicking here.

MORE: Coverage from April 2020