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Supervisor Vecchio and Mrs. VecchioFew people think of Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio as a warm and fuzzy type of guy. Most people know him as a tough, complex guy with extraordinary political acumen that has kept him in office for 38 years. Enemies? He’s made a few. Harsh words? He’s said a few. But that isn’t what brought out the crowd Sunday, November 1, 2015. People gathered at Town Hall to watch and show respect to Long Island’s longest serving Supervisor. People showed-up to say thank you for thirty-eight years of service to the residents of Smithtown. People showed-up to acknowledge that a person who gets elected thirteen times as both a Democrat and a Republican must be doing something right.
Three speakers County Executive Bellone, NYS Senator John Flanagan and NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick heaped accolades on the Supervisor with County Exec. Bellone calling him a legend. Council members Thomas McCarthy and Lynne Nowick read the March 3, 2015 resolution dedicating the Town Hall in Supervisor Vecchio’s honor. Town Historian Bradley Harris was the Master of Ceremony calling out the names of the dignataries in the audience and there were many: Judge Sandra Sgroi, Judge Jack Toomey, Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Robert Trotta, County Comptroller John Kennedy and LI Director of Parks Wayne Horsley. Democratic Committee Chairman Ed Maher attended.There were numerous department heads and former department heads. There were friends, family and some who have seen the darker side of the Supervisor.
Noticeably absent were Town Council members Robert Creighton and Edward Wehrheim, Town Clerk Vincent Puleo and Receiver of Taxes Deanna Varricchio. Also absent was Republican Town Leader William Ellis.
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Did people show-up because a building was being dedicated? No way one gentleman told me, “the people who are here today recognize what an accomplishment Mr. Vecchio has achieved. We’re here today because you just gotta love the guy.” Was everyone here because the love the guy? No. Everyone had there own reason for coming and not one person said they were sorry they were there.
As for the Supervisor it was an emotional time. His eyes teared up and his voice got a little shaky as he thanked everyone. Then I heard someone whisper, “I think Sinatra’s “My Way” was written for this guy.”
Photos from dedication ceremony