Even though he may no longer be here, John Anthony Palmiotto continues to touch the lives of many.
The 16-year-old from Ozone Park died tragically in a car accident on November 2, 2005, but his spirit lives on in a scholarship created in his memory – and this year there will be a car show in his honor to raise money for the academic award.
Palmiotto had just gotten his learner’s permit in April, said his mother, Tina Marie Palmiotto. The friendly, well-liked teen was driving, albeit too fast, with five other teens in the car at 81st Street and 151st Avenue in Lindenwood – none wearing seat belts – when they realized they were fast approaching a four-way stop sign, which had been obscured by a tree.
But it was already too late.
John swerved the Nissan to avoid an oncoming vehicle, hit a tree and went airborne. The car then flipped, ejecting the passengers. It came to rest in someone’s driveway, effectively landing on John, according to his mom.
“He didn’t die right away,” she said.
EMTs stabilized him and rushed him to Brookdale Hospital; the other teens were taken to Jamaica Hospital.
By the time his family met up with the ambulance, John had gone unconscious.
He needed surgery to remove his spleen, all his ribs were fractured, and there was internal bleeding.
At 3:05 a.m., John passed away.
A toxicology report revealed he had not been drinking.
“About 50 of his friends went to the hospital [that night],” said Tina.
The 16-year-old who loved boxing was waked at Romanelli Funeral Home, where there was a constant stream of mourners.
“People said they waited on line for hours [to pay their respects],” Tina told The Courier. “I just remember constant crowds of people.”
He was buried at St. John’s Cemetery.
“After something like that happens, it changes you,” said an emotional Tina. “[Some things] all of a sudden are not so important anymore.”
But from the tragedy came something good.
Tina was inspired to create a scholarship at Robert F. Wagner Junior Secondary School in Long Island City, where John had been a student.
“He was amazing, very loving, a very loyal friend. He made everyone he knew feel special,” said Tina. “He knew people from every walk of life. He was the best person I ever knew.”
Tina continued, “I had to do something to let John go on. I still have to carry on for him.”
In the past three years, she explained, she – and the big-hearted people who have donated through journal ads and dinner dances – has given away $15,000 in scholarships.
The students who receive the award are “most improved” form grades nine through 12.
“My son represented students that tried and improved,” said Tina, who meets with the students, their parents and even gets in touch with the colleges.
This year, she said, “I wanted to do something a little different for the five-year anniversary.”
So on Sunday, October 24, in conjunction with the All American Car Club, there will be a car show at the Ozone Howard Little League ball fields, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“All American Car Club is proud to be associated with such a good cause,” said vice president Anthony Ringston. “We look forward to a successful event.”
And this year, too, said Tina, the scholarship will be open to students in other schools.
“I wanted to bring it back to the community,” she explained. “The kids are so thankful. John would be so happy to see this.”
Ringston explained that it’s $20 per car to exhibit; spectators are urged to make a donation. Gates open at 8 a.m.; trophies will be awarded and there will be raffles, a 50/50, music and food.
To learn more about the show, visit www.allamericancarclub.com; to find out about journal ads or the scholarship, call Tina at 917-697-1593.
