LI Construction Worker's Employers Plead For Public To Slow Down After 'Tragic Loss' Of One Of Their 'Own'

LONG ISLAND, NY — The construction company, which employed the father of three who died after a car, police say, was driven by a man under the influence of drugs, careened into a job site last Monday, is pleading to the public to slow down around road workers.

Joel Sicon-Porix, 38, was one of three workers struck at a construction site on the morning of Aug. 10, when a driver ran a red light at the intersection of Terry and Townline roads in Nesconset, police said.

A GoFundMe fundraiser for his family has surpassed its $27,000 goal, reaching $42,000.

Thomas Lobianco, 26, was driving a 1999 Toyota Camry eastbound in the westbound lane of Townline Road at its intersection with Terry Road at about 6:40 a.m., when he drove through a red light and onto the sidewalk, according to police.

The Camry struck Sicon-Porix and two other construction workers, who were preparing for a Suffolk County paving project, police said. After hitting the workers, Lobianco's car struck an electronic crossing sign, a utility pole and a fence, according to police.

Sicon-Porix was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital.

In a post to Facebook, the management of Rosemar Construction of East Moriches wrote that the business "tragically lost" one of its own.

"For over 20 years, Joel was a beloved member of our team," the post read. "Through his hard work, loyalty, and dedication, he earned the respect of everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him."

"Our hearts are with Joel’s family, friends, coworkers, and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy," the post continued. "This loss is also a painful reminder that the men and women working on our roadways deserve every driver’s complete attention."

The company reminded motorists to slow down, obey posted signs, and give work crews the room they need.

"Every worker deserves to return home safely to their family," the post read. "Joel’s dedication will forever remain part of our company and its legacy."

"Rest in peace, Joel," the post concluded.

A 30-year-old Bay Shore man and a 33-year-old Brentwood man were also hurt in the incident, police said, adding that they were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

Lobianco was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, police said.

Lobianco pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in First District Court in First Islip, online court records show. His bail was set at $200,000, $400,000 insured bond, and $2 million partially secured surety bond, the records show.

Newsday reported that there is a high likelihood that Lobianco could face homicide charges.

His defense attorney, Robert Macedonio of Islip Terrace, told the outlet, the case still needs further investigation, including the results of drug testing, adding that his team's thoughts "are with the victims and their families."

He also called the crash "tragic," saying that there is "much investigation to be done, much forensic evaluation to be done on the tests that were taken, how the accident happened, and what kind of criminal liability Mr. Lobianco has."

Lobianco is due back in court on Tuesday.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said the department would continue aggressively enforcing impaired-driving laws.

“Somebody lost their life today, and two others were severely injured,” Catalina said. “It’s terrible. When you see incidents like this happen, you realize that no matter what we do, we’re going to have to do more. We’re going to be out there aggressively enforcing these laws.”

Police have not yet determined how fast Lobianco was driving at the time of the crash, which was caught on video, Catalina said, adding that speed remains a part of the investigation.

The ownership of the Camry, which had a Florida registration, is being investigated, Catalina said.

The GoFundMe to honor Sicon-Porix was created to support family friend, Glendys Zacarías, and her family, organizer Miriam Sanchez of Coram wrote.

"Her beloved husband and the father of their three children, Joel Sicon, was working roadside construction when he was hit by a vehicle," she wrote.

"All donations are appreciated and will go toward funeral expenses and their children. Please keep this loving family in your prayers," she concluded.

The fundraiser far surpassed its $27,000 goal.

Patch has reached out to Sanchez.

Major Case Unit detectives are investigating the crash that killed Sicon-Porix and are asking anyone with information to call 631-852-6553.