Funeral held for Glen Cove EMS volunteer Susan Giovanniello

Thursday was a somber day for Glen Cove as family, friends, colleagues and officials who said farewell to volunteer EMT Susan Giovanniello, who was laid to rest at St. Rocco Roman Catholic Church.

Giovanniello died of a medical emergency early in the morning of April 3 after her shift. Although the exact cause of her death is unknown, the Nassau County fire marshal determined her death not suspicious.

Streets near the church were closed to vehicle traffic to make way for the multitude of first responders lining the streets and fire trucks bearing the American flag. A dozen bagpipers escorted the ambulance that carried Giovanniello’s coffin to the Mass. 

The church was filled to capacity with mourners who were still in shock. Giovanniello was described as someone who could light up the room with her smile.

While addressing fellow mourners, Jessica Giovanniello, Susan's sister, said she always looked up to her younger sister. Susan, Jessica said, was a source of inspiration because they both volunteered for the city’s EMS.

“It didn’t matter what I was telling her about my shift with EMS,” Giovanniello said. “We always came to each other with questions about school, EMS, life, to rant, or when her or I had to write paragraphs to people. I had a build-in best friend.”

The burial followed the morning Mass at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.