By Christina Santucci
A popular musician from Glendale was killed in a car crash in Howard Beach early Saturday, police and friends said.
Jimmy Sinisi, 38, had been behind the wheel of a 2001 Saturn at 159th Avenue and 98th Street when the vehicle was allegedly struck by a 2006 Ford sedan, driven by 23-year-old James Celauro, according to cops.
Emergency responders were called to the accident scene at about 1 a.m. and took Sinisi to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Celauro, of South Ozone Park, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and Driving While Ability Impaired, the NYPD said.
Friends at Neirs Tavern in Woodhaven where Sinisi frequently played shows with his band, Wordy Bums, and often came to eat chicken wings remembered him as a happy, respectful man.
“Jimmy always went out of his way and did things for people,” said the tavern’s chef, Daniel LaRosa.
LaRosa said the band had a unique sound that combined hip hop and rock.
“If the right person heard these guys, they would get signed,” he said.
Sinisi, who was also known as “Marvin Gardens,” served as Wordy Bums’ singer, and also helped to write the songs, according to the band’s Facebook site.
“We had our hearts ripped from our chests today,” the group posted just after 7 p.m. Saturday. ”Jim was the nucleus, the catalyst, the engine … The Wordy Bums can never be the same without such an integral part of this machine. We are truly blessed to have shared the stage with him and witness true talent.”
Eric Terzo photographed Sinisi performing with his band, and said the singer inspired him by telling the crowd, “It’s always a good day when you get to do what you love.”
“For people like me who only get to work on their passions on the weekend, that meant a lot,” Terzo said.
Sinisi and his wife, Susan, had recently settled in Glendale after having to move out of Old Howard Beach following Hurricane Sandy, friends said.
“They lost everything,” LaRosa said.
Reach managing editor Christina Santucci by e-mail at timesledgerphotos@gmail.com by phone at 718-260-4589.
