'He Saved My Life': Northport Local Hero

NORTHPORT, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Bri Albert, who nominated John Katusa of Northport.

Name:
John Katusa

State:
NY

Hometown:
Northport

Hero's job:
Volunteer

Relationship to nominee:
I was in a dark place, and I was a stranger to him. He saw me crying and sat down and sat there for 3 hours to tell me the world didn’t end. For someone to do that, they are a hero.

Reason for recognition:
He doesn’t look for any kind of reward or achievement. He had COVID, but through the whole thing, he always made himself available to talk through. He volunteers for the church and for many other amazing community events. He saved my life.

One thing to know:
Just because he doesn’t wear a badge or that he isn’t a doctor doesn’t mean he can’t save lives. He did for me and I know he puts a smile on everyone’s face that has come into contact with him.

Thank you for all you do, John!

>> Do you have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across New York here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.