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LIC family hopes surveillance cam can solve hit-and-run death of vet

By Matthew Monks

The family of a Long Island City man killed in a hit-and-run accident last week is hoping that surveillance footage captured by a security camera near the scene might yield a suspect.

Vito Pampinella, 54, of 3-06 26th Avenue, was discovered March 16 lying face down with head injuries at 26th Avenue and 4th Street. The decorated Vietnam War veteran was walking home from the store carrying a bag full of eggs and cookies and cake for his grandchildren when he was struck down, according to his son-in-law Elliot Rivera of Long Island City.

“We weren’t sure whether it was a car or truck” that struck him, Rivera said. “He was a Vietnam vet. He was a very good man — give you the shirt off his back.”

Pampinella was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:39 p.m., an apparent victim of a hit and run, police said.

While they would not comment further on the investigation, officers told Rivera they are hoping to find a suspect by reviewing surveillance footage from a camera mounted on a building near the accident, Rivera said.

Pampinella, who retired from the Housing Authority a decade ago, served in Vietnam during the late ’60s with the 82nd Airborne, Rivera said. He is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, two children and two grandchildren.