Father, Grandfather Stabbed At LI Pizzeria Receives Support: 'He Wouldn't Even Hurt A Fly'

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The community has come together for a beloved father and grandfather who, Suffolk police said, was stabbed by his co-worker at a pizzeria in November.

Salvatore Polizzi, an employee of Gino’s of Nesconset, was preparing a pizza when he was stabbed in his side multiple times by Paul Albinagorta, 34, of Central Islip, who wielded a hunting knife, around 11 a.m. Nov. 24, the Suffolk County DA's Office said. Albinagorta attacked Polizzi without warning, prosecutors said, and then chased Polizzi and other co-workers from the store while threatening them, investigators said.

Albinagorta was charged with second-degree attempted murder.

Polizzi, 60, of East Patchogue, was brought to Stony Brook University Hospital and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.

His family created a GoFundMe to help with Polizzi's medical expenses and has raised $10K as of Wednesday.

People may donate to the GoFundMe for Polizzi here.

Taylor Gonzalez, Polizzi's daughter, said her father is known for his gentleness.

"He wouldn't even hurt a fly," Gonzalez told Patch. "He would literally let the fly stay in and be like, 'OK, he'll go out on his own.'"

Polizzi is currently in recovery, and the family is hoping they will soon have a better idea of how long his rehabilitation will be, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said she was at her part-time job when her father was stabbed. Her best friend, as well as her friend's sister and her mother, who all work at a nearby bagel store, called Gonzalez after her father was attacked. The family cared for Polizzi until the ambulance arrived and gave Gonzalez a ride to the hospital.

"I immediately thought the absolute worst," Gonzalez said. "I think I almost blacked out for a moment. I remember I was just crying and then I had to call all my family and let them know where they had to go. I was really speechless, honestly. It doesn't sound real."

The surgeon at Stony Brook University Hospital told the family he would do whatever possible to keep Polizzi alive, Gonzalez said. Polizzi immediately underwent surgery.

"The surgeon was like, 'Listen, I'm going to do everything I possibly can to get him where he can at least be alive for whatever time period it could be, but I hope a full recovery,'" Gonzalez recalled. "[The surgeon] went in, did what he could, and it's amazing."

Gonzalez said Polizzi's surgery were the "longest six hours" of her life.

Medical officials said Polizzi required intense surgery in multiple places.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, he's 60. How is he going to be able to even withstand that?' I couldn't imagine if that were to happen to me. He's just a very strong, strong man."

Polizzi's recovery is day-by-day, his daughter said.

"Some days are good, and some days, he's in excruciating pain and it's hard for him to even get through the day," she said. "It is just uncertain how everything heals. We have to see if the surgery was successful, if he needs to undergo surgery again, if he needs another procedure. There's so much."

Gonzalez thanked the community for rallying around Polizzi and the family.

"Words don't justify thank you," she said. "When he's in better health, he himself will thank everyone. When he's back on his feet and recovered, we're planning to rally back the community in some way or some form to really say thank you. Words aren't enough for how much support we've gotten so far. There's still so much he has to get strong with, in regard to health. Having the community — again, speechless. At first, I felt so alone for my family, right? Who do you go to? Who's your outlet? I have all these people telling me stories, fundraising, helping about it. It's amazing that we're not alone. We're a small family. It's been amazing. Everyone will be thanked individually, to say the least."

Polizzi is a well-known pizza man in the Smithtown area, his daughter said.

"He has captured the hearts of many with his delicious creations and warm personality," she wrote on the GoFundMe page. "His skills go beyond cooking; he has made a name for himself as the best pizza maker in town."

Polizzi is a hard worker who balances long hours with the love and care he gives to his children, Gonzalez said.

"His commitment to their well-being shows in the way he supports their dreams," she wrote. "He recently became filled with joy after finding out his son had been accepted into college. He is a strong role model, teaching the values of hard work and perseverance."

Anthony Suppa, owner of Frantoni's, is set to host his 13th annual fundraiser. The event is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Oheka Castle. Proceeds will be donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation, as well as Suppa's new charity, Slice of Charity Foundation. A portion of proceeds from Slice of Charity will benefit Polizzi's recovery, Suppa said.

The fundraiser will feature free food, drinks and entertainment for all who donate.