A West Islip man is finally home after battling COVID-19 for over a year.

Salvatore Passarelli, a 64-year-old father of two, battled the virus for 13 months.

"I just love seeing where we are right now," Passarelli says. "It's really nice to be home."

He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulty on March 7, 2021. Passarelli was placed on a ventilator for a couple of months.

"We didn't think he was going to make it," says Salvatore's wife, Vicky Passarelli. "He did code a couple of times."

She says when he eventually became conscious, he had no idea what was happening and didn't know who she was.

Vicky Passarelli stayed by his side throughout his fight against COVID and says her love for her husband of 40 years has grown even stronger

"She's my rock, she was with me every day and I love her," Salvatore Passarelli says.

He will now get to celebrate his family's milestones, including his son's wedding next week.

"I remember not even knowing if this would be a possibility, even probably five months ago," says Salvatore's son, Vinny Passarelli. "So not only is it amazing he's home, it's amazing he'll be able to celebrate with us there."

The Passarellis say they have two other family members still battling COVID, and they are hoping that Salvatore's recovery will inspire them to press on with their fight.