Beloved 90-Year-Old Barber Struck, Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver On L.I.

JAMESPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island community is devastated after a beloved barber was killed by an alleged drunken driver.

At around 7:15 p.m. George Kurovics, 90, left his barber shop and was walking to his Herricks Lane home in Jamesport when he spotted his black and white tabby Buddy on the side of the road, CBS2's Jennifer MClogan reported.

Kurovics stopped to pick up his cat off the side of the road after noticing it had been hit by a car, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported.

That's when a 2007 Mercedes-Benz came barreling down Route 25/Main Road, slamming into Kurovics, police said.

His wife came running, but couldn't save his life, McLogan reported.

Kurovics died at the scene, police said.

The driver, 65-year-old Diane O'Neill, of Farmingville, was arrested after officers determined she was intoxicated, police said. She was charged with DWI.

The Southold High School math teacher, with more than 20 years experience, appeared shaken and distraught at her arraignment Wednesday, McLogan reported.

She claimed it was a tragic accident, not her drinking and driving, that claimed the life of the iconic East End father and husband, McLogan reported.

In a statement, the school superintendent said he was "truly saddened to learn of this tragic accident."

"The Southold Board of Education and administration extend our deepest condolences to the families involved in this tragedy," stated David A. Gamberg, superintendent of Southold Union Free School District.

O'Neill's status with the district is pending, Gamberg said.

The Kurovics are numb, unable to comprehend the gentle patriarch of their family died in such a violent way, McLogan reported.

Kurovics' son, George Kurovics Jr., said his father was a patriot, a hard worker and a family man.\

Kurovics joined the Navy when he was 16 years old and fought in World War II.

"One of the trades they teach in the Navy is barbering," he said. "So he went to Rocky Point and opened up the barbershop in 1948. And nowadays, it's the longest running business in Rocky Point history."

"We are sad but we know my husband would take pride in the fact that he is getting this acknowledgement from these people, which means his life had value," said his wife Joyce.

Kurovics rarely missed a day of work since his barbershop opened in Rocky Point all those years ago.

"They were always open -- snowstorms, holidays, weekends, Mondays where usually the beauty parlors and barbershops are closed -- they were always open," one woman said. "I was surprised to find out he was 90, I thought he was much younger."

"George reminded me of my dad, he was a World War II vet, he was always a happy guy, he was always here, and he was just loved by everybody, everybody knew him," a regular customer said.

"He was an institution," a local business owner said. "In fact, a gentleman was asking me last week, 'Where should I get haircut?' And I said, 'Go to George's.'"

Kurovics' family said he hated the idea of retiring, feeling he still had much to offer the world at age 90.

A heart-shaped note taped to the barber shop read, "God bless George. The barber loved and known by all. You will be missed."

O'Neill pleaded not guilty Wednesday and was released on $10,000 bail, McLogan reported.

Toxicology results are pending. Once the results are in, a grand jury will convene to determine if charges should be upgraded.

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