Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Mount Sinai South Nassau took a day to celebrate more than six decades of volunteer service on April 25 for a festive brunch marking the 68th annual volunteer luncheon during National Volunteer Week. Amid coffee and pastries, the focus was on honoring those whose selfless contributions bring warmth, compassion and creativity to patients, families and visitors daily.
Mount Sinai South Nassau President Dr. Adhi Sharma called it “one of his favorite events all year,” noting that the strength of a hospital’s volunteers reflects the strength of its community connection. “Today, we say thank you,” he said, likening the recognition to a communal Mother’s Day or Father’s Day for volunteers.
Leaders from across the hospital and community reiterated their thanks. Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s office sent remarks celebrating the vital role volunteers play in healthcare. Oceanside School District Board President Michael D’Ambrosio, representing County Executive Bruce Blakeman, delivered citations to the hospital volunteers and congratulated volunteers for strengthening the bond between the hospital and the community.
“It’s the volunteers that make this room so special,” D’Ambrosio said.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Volunteer Value Award was presented to Anthony Maiorella of Rockville Centre, who has logged over 2,000 hours since 2009 using his guitar and melodic voice to comfort patients and staff.
“Nobody wants to be in the hospital. It’s like a last resort,” he said. “I play one song, and we sit here, we talk.” Am I a good guitarist? I’m passable for sing-alongs. There are a million people better than me. But it’s me and them, and they’re getting a private concert.”
Maiorella retired in 2011 as a Mainframe Systems Programmer, and throughout his years of service, Maiorella has used his gift of music to bring comfort, healing, and joy to patients, families, and staff alike. With his melodic voice and exceptional guitar skills, Maiorella creates a soothing environment throughout the hospital. His performances have become a source of emotional support, providing patients with moments of peace during their time of need.
“The biggest aspect of retirement is not the work that you do,” he said. “Anybody can be replaced, and you will be replaced, but the biggest aspect is a social aspect, the friends you make, the people that you go out to lunch with, and volunteering keeps that going.”
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Stacey Conklin took the podium to present the prestigious Five Star Award, named in memory of former volunteer Adelaide Cromwell. This honor recognizes “extraordinary dedication and untiring service.” Joe DiGiose of Levittown— who has volunteered more than 5,000 hours since 2016 as a greeter.
“The people I work with, they’re great,” DiGiose said. “I look forward to coming in and seeing them, and also the staff, and having a lot of fun with the security. It makes the day go by.”
A former city court officer, in his volunteer role, DiGiose is often the first person patients and visitors encounter as they arrive at the hospital. He goes beyond simply directing them to their respective departments—DiGiose’s friendly smile and thoughtful conversations help to ease any anxiety or fear in what can be a stressful time.
“I thank everybody for the opportunity to serve here, and it is very rewarding,” he said. “The word blessing is overused these days, but I do find this to be a real blessing.”
