L.I. Native and Philanthropist's Rosario S. Cassata Contributions Saves a Life

Naples, Florida

12-23-2025

Long Island Native and Philanthropist, Rosario S. Cassata of The Cassata Foundation, along with Arthur Lih of LifeVac, recently donated anti-choking devices to all parents and teachers at the First Presbyterian Preschool located in Naples, Florida.

This initiative was motivated by Mr. Cassata’s granddaughter's enrollment in preschool and serve to give back to both parents and teachers.

During Mr. Cassata’s attendance at his granddaughter's Christmas Show this week, a mom approached him to share a recent incident.

Her son, Valentino, who is nearly two years old, was seated in his highchair, eating small pieces of food. The mother observed that the little boy was beginning to choke and promptly tried to remove him from the highchair; however, the belt was stuck, leading her to frantically call for her husband to bring scissors to free him.

They managed to remove him and used the LifeVac that was donated to clear the blockage.

Mr. Cassata says he doesn’t “endorsed or promoted any products, but that this incident illustrated a life saved as a result of our efforts to provide our community and first responders with the tools necessary to save lives. “

The LifeVac has successfully saved the lives of over 5000 individuals to date.

The Cassata Foundation plans to provide LifeVac Units to additional First Responders in both Florida and New York, as well as to YMCA’s and many other organizations.

Mr. Cassata says, "Be a Batman—the ability to ensure the safety of our community without requiring any superpowers.”

Though Mr. Cassata does not have Superpowers he is contributing to the protection of others through his efforts.