Levittown Man Celebrates Special Birthday After Heart Attack

LEVITTOWN, NY — A Levittown man is celebrating a special birthday Monday. Gary Peterson, 72, nearly died in December, but medical professionals were able to revive him from a full nearly fatal heart attack.

On the afternoon of Dec. 11, Peterson and his wife, Susan, returned home from running errands and saw a child skateboarding outside. A medal-winning skateboarder in his younger days, Peterson thought he'd teach the child a few moves.

"I know, that's my Dad," his daughter, Jennifer Peterson, told Patch in an interview.

Gary Peterson seemed fine until he went inside and sat on the couch. He appeared to fall asleep — and made a strange snoring-type sound. Alarmed, his wife rushed over to see if he was OK. When Susan's attempts to wake him proved unsuccessful, she slapped him. Then again. No response.

He had no pulse and was suffering a full cardiac arrest.

First responders took him to the hospital while using various life-saving measures where he was taken into full treatment.

See the full story of Peterson's heart attack and recovery.

A press release from the Nassau County Police Department says Peterson and his family celebrated his 72nd birthday at the department, who gave him a cake and a gift from the first responders who saved his life.