Williamsburg Raises $34K For Hospitalized Neighborhood Bartender

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — The neighborhood is rallying behind a local bartender, builder and musician who went into intensive care after suffering from a stroke last month.

Residents have raised more than $34,000 through a GoFundMe set up last week for Dan Scinta, a well-known neighborhood character who has helped build, bartend or work at nearly a dozen of Williamsburg's most popular bars.

Scinta suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on June 27 and lost cerebral contact and the use of the left side of his body, organizers of the GoFundMe, who call themselves "Team Dan," said. He has been hospitalized since, first in the intensive care unit and now in the physical therapy section.

"We are all so hopeful that he will eventually recover most of his mobility but this is going to be a long game of recovery," Team Dan said. "Dan is the funniest person most of us know. He's brought so much joy to so many people, please help him out in his time of need. "

(GoFundMe)

Scinta, 45, has lived in Williamsburg for at least two decades. Over the years, he has helped build neighborhood staples like Variety coffee, Ops Pizzeria and Union Pool, where he has become like family to the staff during guest bartending stints or through performances with his two bands, friends told Patch.

He has also worked at Macri Park, Rye, Ore Bar, Luna Lounge Brooklyn, The Abbey, Mad Tropical, Marlow & Sons Diner and several others that have since closed, his friend and former bandmate B.A. Miale said. Miale toured with one of Scinta's bands, Ice Balloons, for five years. He is also a member of Wild Yaks, according to Brooklyn Vegan.

"Some people sit around and quote movies, we sit around and quote Dan," Miale said. "I sat in a van with him for months at a time and never stopped laughing..."

But his loved ones worry that Scinta's bartending, building and playing days may be over since doctors are unsure if he will ever regain control of his left side.

With the GoFundMe, they hope to raise enough to cover a year of living expenses so that Scinta can heal and figure out his next steps comfortably. In the best case scenario, Scinta will be able to walk again in three months, doctors told his friends.

"Doctors say it's totally possible he will make a 100 percent full recovery, but it will take time," Miale said.

The money raised so far has already helped fly the Scinta family to New York City to be with Dan, covered some bills and helped pay for moving expenses. Scinta lived in a three-story walk-up before the stroke but would likely have trouble living there during recovery given his limited mobility, the GoFundMe said.

(GoFundMe)

Scinta's stroke was caused by a spike in blood pressure and happened when he was alone. Miale said that if his girlfriend, Kerry, hadn't found him when she did he might not be alive today.

For now, his friends are sending thanks to those that have already donated for not only helping financially but lifting Scinta's spirits. His "Union Pool family" will also hold a benefit for him on August 17.

The outpouring of support isn't shocking given Scinta's role in the community, but has been surprising nevertheless, Miale said.

"He is so loved int he music and service community, the overwhelming response for his fundraiser shouldn't be surprising, but it is," she said.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.