They say laughter is the best medicine, but the melodious tunes emanating from a volunteer guitarist and singer at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn appears equally therapeutic in lifting patients’ spirits.
Victor Cunneen, an Irish immigrant and retiree who lives with his wife in Garden City Park, has been donating his time to the hospital since 2017, a year after he underwent six bypass operations at the leading cardiology and heart surgery. He’s logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours since.
“I just enjoy volunteering here,” the 74-year-old musician told the Press. “I just like to give back.”
Cunneen, who is one of St. Francis Hospital’s many dedicated volunteers, most recently shared his musical talents with hospital staff, patients and visitors in December, when he played holiday music in the main lobby.
His songs, played on the acoustic guitar, uplifted the spirits of everyone who passed by, turning the Roslyn hospital’s hallways into a festive holiday scene. His kindness resonated with everyone who passed by.
“Victor is a tremendous blessing to our St. Francis Hospital community,” said Charles L Lucore MD, MBA, president,= of the St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. “His music boosts the spirits of everyone who walks through the hospital lobby. We are grateful to Victor and all of our volunteers for everything they do to support St. Francis Hospital.”
Kimberley Arlotta, director of volunteer services for the hospital, which is part of the Catholic Health Services of Long Island system, agreed.
“Victor is a caring, passionate volunteer of great talent he brings joy during the holiday season,” she said, adding that his rendition of “Feliz Navidad” performed with his Irish brogue is a favorite. “We can only hope he’ll be back … because the staff and visitors love him.”
