New York News

Wake, Funeral Plans Announced for Slain FDNY EMS Lieutenant

October 3, 2022
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COMMACK — The wake and funeral were scheduled for EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, who died last week in a random attack near her station in Astoria.

FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, 61, served with the FDNY for 25 years and was among the first responders to the 9/11 terror attacks. (Photo: FDNY)

The wake will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday at Commack Abbey Funeral Home, 96 Commack Road, Commack, New York. Her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Tilles Center for Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., in Brookville, New York.

Russo-Elling, 61, died Thursday after suffering more than 20 stab wounds during the attack at the corner of 20th Avenue and 41st Street, near her assigned EMS Station, No. 49.

The lieutenant was in uniform as she ventured from the station to get lunch from a nearby deli. She died at Mount Sinai Queens Hospital. 

Fire department officials announced her funeral arrangements on the FDNY’s social media channels. Officials noted that parking for personal vehicles at the funeral home during the wake is reserved for Russo-Elling’s family and close friends.

Additional details about the funeral were not available earlier today. However, Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, a chaplain for the FDNY, said the funeral would be a traditional service held for line-of-duty deaths. These rites include an elaborate procession from the funeral to the internment.

FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling was a mother and grandmother. She was six months short of retirement. She also was the third FDNY member to die this year while on duty. (Photo: FDNY)

High attendance is expected from public safety personnel and elected officials from New York City and the rest of the nation.

Russo-Elling, a mother and grandmother, was six months short of retirement. She served with the FDNY for 25 years and was among the first responders to the 9/11 terror attacks.

Russo-Elling is the third FDNY member to die this year while on duty.

Firefighter Jesse Gerhard collapsed at his firehouse while on duty in Far Rockaway on Feb. 16.

Timothy Klein, also a firefighter, died on April 24. He suffered fatal injuries while battling a house fire in Canarsie.

Police arrested a suspect, Peter Zisopoulos, 34, Thursday, soon after the attack. He was charged with murder on Friday. Zisopoulos reportedly is mentally disturbed.