Paramedic and civilian killed in ambulance, SUV collision
EMS lieutenant David Restuccio was transporting a patient when a speeding SUV crashed into his ambulance
Duty Death: David Restuccio - [Staten Island, New York]
End of Service: 08/27/2012
By Antonio Antenucci and Natasha Velez
The New York Post
A luxury SUV crashed head-on into a private ambulance on Staten Island last night, killing two people including a retired EMS lieutenant, and injuring two others, authorities said.
The unidentified driver of the SUV, a BMW, was ejected and died instantly after it crossed the median on Hylan Boulevard and slammed into the ambulance at 7:05 p.m.
David Ford, who was driving behind the ambulance, said, "He wasn't moving, I knew he was dead."
Retired NYPD Officer Joe Bonamo said, "There was a big cloud of smoke. I pulled over to assist the ambulance, just trying to help.''
He said he saw its driver pinned inside.
That driver, David Restuccio, a 58-year-old former EMS lieutenant who was a first responder on 9/11, died at Staten Island University Hospital, officials said.
The second paramedic, Yusuke Yonehara, 34, and the ambulance patient, a man in his 30s, were listed in stable condition at the same hospital.
Robert Genco was driving his Dodge Neon next to the ambulance when his vehicle was clipped.
"I'm really lucky - a second later, that could have been me," he said.
Copyright 2012 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc.
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David Ford Tuesday, August 28, 2012 5:47:16 PM I was no where near this accident. I don't care what the article says. 
Rocky Nasso Tuesday, August 28, 2012 7:19:00 PM as a former firefighter/paramedic, this happens way to much.....David, you answered your last call on this earth, my prayers go out to the family and may David R.I.P... 
Jimmy Davis Wednesday, August 29, 2012 3:12:30 AM You just never know when it's your time. Be safe, get right with who you need to, and live your life like you're next. RIP Mr. Restuccio. 
Samuel Gates Thursday, August 30, 2012 6:05:25 AM My condolences to Dave's family Dave and I went to to Paramedic training together (Jacobi Class 12). We became Lt's at the same time. The last time I saw Dave was too many years ago at a training class.
We sat and talked over old times, shook hands, and said we see each other again.
As I remember Dave, it was his infectious smile and sense of humor that stuck out. In class Dave was the class clown (ask Stark Markman), making us laugh and smile as we went through that unbearably stressful time. Who would organize taking an immobilized student, standing him up in the elevator in the nursing school, and press every button in the elevator? Dave.
Dave became what he wanted to be, a paramedic. There will be a legacy that will be remembered by his family and friends, but there will be an unwritten legacy. The legacy he left by what he did. A father that survived his heart attack to walk his daughter down the aisle, the asthmatic child that grew up to be a doctor and help others, the people that on 9/11 he helped in their time of need, there's too many to count.
No life is ever truly completed, before it ends. If there is a fitting memorial for people like Dave, it would be "A Life Well Lived".
The sun will not shine as brightly today, but tonight when the stars come out, they will be a bit brighter.
Dave. I hope you find the peace you so rightly deserve. Know you did what most people never gat a chance to do. You made a real difference.
To Dave's family. Nothing anyone can say or do will lessen the feelings that you feel now. Know that Dave's memory will not be forgotten.
From myself, my family, and everyone who sweated through that summer in 1982 with Dave, you will be in our thought and prayers. Godspeed Dave. 
Anthony Pensabene Friday, December 14, 2012 11:13:10 AM A life taken too soon, my prayers go out to his family. Stay safe out there everyone. 
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