New York man wins $33 million jackpot, despite Hurricane Sandy

Drawing Date: 11/2/2012

Philip Cimino, a floral designer from Garden City Park, said he’s still working at 67-years-old because he never thought he’d be able to retire. “One day I’m worried about paying my bills and the next day, that’s all gone,” he explained. Cimino said he picked his numbers from sales receipts he saves from various stores. “Those receipts are full of numbers,” he said. “I just pick six numbers at random and go with them.” He typically uses the same set of numbers for a couple of weeks and then, “I drag out my receipts and start all over.” He was getting ready to switch numbers when he hit the $33,000,000 Mega Millions jackpot on the November 2 drawing.

Cimino purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket at Mineola Card & Smoke on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola on his way to work the day of the drawing. He claimed his ticket on November 7 at the Lottery Customer Service Center in Garden City.

Cimino opted to receive his $33,000,000 jackpot prize in one lump sum payment with a cash value of $24,793,388. His net check will total $16,408,264. Cimino plans to use the prize to help family and friends. “I have no need for luxury things. I just want to sleep at night knowing I’ll be okay,” he said.

The New York Lottery contributed $103,332,229.34 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts throughout Nassau County during fiscal year 2011-2012.