On Saturday, October 29, about 80 guests waited at the Hungarian Hall on Ocean Avenue in Ronkonkoma to surprise Narcisco Saravia for his 60th birthday.
Narciso, who would be accompanied by his wife Maria, was under the impression that he was attending someone else’s birthday party.
Sadly, the party was never able to begin.
Narciso and Maria Saravia, of Central Islip, were walking across Ocean Avenue in Ronkonkoma, between Express Drive North and Michigan Street, when they were struck by a southbound 2007 Hyundai Elantra just before 7 p.m. Narciso was dead at the scene. Maria, 59, was transported by Lakeland Rescue to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Some family members happened to be outside when the accident occurred. After going into the hall to bear the tragic news, the party wound up outside— stopping traffic as they ran to the aid of their loved ones.
Narciso Saravia came to the United States from El Salvador in the 1980s and was known for being a hard worker. Saravia enjoyed soccer and spending time with his family. His wife, Maria, retired 10 years ago to be a stay-at-home mom. The couple was well-liked by members of their community and were known for being outstanding people.
“Ocean Avenue becomes a raceway for cars,” stated a Ronkonkoma resident, “especially when it turns into Rosevale Avenue. Cars just fly down the street. I’ve called the town so many times to help fix the issue, but I never get anywhere. They did construction here a few years back, and it actually made the problem worse. We need more lights or maybe even speed bumps. More safety precautions so that there are less accidents. I feel so terrible for this family.”
The Suffolk County Police Department has stated that the accident is not considered a criminal matter.
The driver, unlikely to face charges, was uninjured, and the Hyundai was impounded for a safety check.
