Huntington Hospital nurse dies from COVID-19

A Huntington Hospital nurse has died from COVID-19.

John Abruzzo had worked at the hospital since 2002, when he started out as a security officer. He became a nurse in 2007.

"My dad was a gentle giant, really he had a heart of gold," says John's daughter, Christina Ravenes.

Ravenes says her dad started having flu-like symptoms, then went to the hospital when he had trouble breathing.

Abruzzo's sister Mary says the 62-year-old was put on a ventilator before passing away Thursday, about a week after getting sick.

Because of quarantine conditions, Abruzzo's family says they couldn't be with him when he died, but his daughter says she is grateful for fellow medical staff who were with him.

Mary says Abruzzo had diabetes, but no other health conditions. The family isn't sure how he got the virus, or if he had been working with COVID-19 patients.

Abruzzo's father was a doctor, his wife and sister are nurses and his brother also works at Huntington Hospital. He had two children, three grandchildren and 13 brothers and sisters.

Chief Nursing Officer Susan Knoepffler released a statement saying in part: "Our team at Huntington Hospital is a family that now mourns the loss of one of its own. But as we grieve, we will also persevere in caring for our patients with the grace and strength that John displayed day in and day out."

There will be a memorial service for Abruzzo once people are able to gather safely.