Ice King remains cool

Peter Benfaremo has been doing his part to help Queens residents remain cool for years as the master chef, known as the Lemon Ice King of Corona. Mayors, governors, television and sports stars travel from all over to his enjoy his Italian ices. But this summer, Benfaremo needed someone to help him out.
The 84-year-old Corona man was told in May by doctors that he needed triple bypass heart surgery. His physician, Dr. Santo Basilio, referred him to the cardiac surgery program at New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ). &#8220I've been hearing over the years that New York Hospital Queens has built a very reputable heart program,” Benfaremo said. &#8220It made sense that I go there for my surgery. It's also close to my home.”
The May 10 surgery was a success and Benfaremo, who is now back at work, was so impressed with the staff he wrote a letter to Stephen S. Mills, NYHQ's President and Chief Executive Officer, thanking him for the care he received. He was duly pleased with the quality of the meals. &#8220As a chef, I notice the food, and I have to say, it was terrific,” he said. &#8220Coming from me, it's a big compliment.”
It started with a bout of &#8220breathing trouble” that brought him to the Emergency Room at NYHQ. His shortness of breath was a warning sign that led doctors to check his heart. They found that three major arteries were impairing blood flow to his heart. He did not have a heart attack, but his heart was overworking to maintain a regular blood flow.
Although Benfaremo had diabetes for many years, he never had any heart problems. &#8220The doctors showed me pictures of my heart and explained to me which of the main arteries had blockages,” said Benfaremo, who was awarded the Purple Heart after he was shot in the leg while serving his country in World War II.