Cover credit – Tom Lohmann
The Smithtown community lost an iconic figure in former Suffolk Police Commissioner and Town Councilman Bob Creighton (R-Kings Park), who passed away last Wednesday at the age of 86.
Creighton earned a status of “legendary” in Suffolk County law enforcement for helping investigate the Southwest Sewer District corruption scandal that brought down the administration of then-County Executive John Klein.
Creighton, born in Washington Heights, graduated from LaSalle Academy in Manhattan before serving three years in the Navy on the USS Hornet until 1958.
In 1961, Creighton enrolled in the newly-formed Suffolk County Police Department chartered to cover the five western Suffolk Towns. He would earn a master’s degree from Stony Brook in 1971 and attend the FBI Academy in 1974. Creighton served in the SCPD for twenty years, earned his detective shield after four years of service, became a sergeant in 1970, followed by detective sergeant in 1971.
Retiring from the SCPD in 1981, he worked in the private sector until joining the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office in 1990, serving as chief investigator until 1992 before serving a seven-month stint as police commissioner. He would then return to the District Attorney’s office, working again as chief investigator until 1994. After another private-sector stint, Creighton would serve again as chief investigator from 2002 to 2006.
Creighton then entered the world of politics in 2007, when he was elected as a Smithtown Councilman. He was re-elected in 2011. He served tightly alongside then-Councilman, now-Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) during his eight years on the board.
Supervisor Wehrheim eulogized his colleague in a heartfelt social media post.
“Throughout his lifetime, Bob was most passionate and proud of his family, Irish ancestry, and his Kings Park pride. He is deeply missed and I will carry his memory with me always,” wrote Wehrheim, adding that Creighton’s tenure on the Town Board “quickly” formed a “dynamic team and a lasting cherished friendship.”
Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown) also paid homage to his former colleague.
“It is with a heavy heart that I post the passing of a Kings Park icon and true gentleman!” wrote Lohmann on social media, adding that
Creighton was “in many senses the Mayor of Kings Park and spent his entire life dedicated to public service in many capacities.”
“I personally believe Bob was most proud of his family, wife Gerry, his five children, and nine grandchildren,” continued Lohmann. “I had the honor and privilege of knowing Bob for my entire life, and will always cherish his kind words and wisdom!”
Smithtown Republican Chairman Bill Ellis paid tribute to the late councilman and commissioner as well.
“Bob was an icon in the law enforcement community,” Ellis told The Messenger, adding that Creighton was the son of Cy Donnelly, the Smithtown Police Chief when the Town’s department was still extant.
“Bob tried to do everything to help everybody, and he was revered as a Town Councilman,” added Ellis. “When people came with an issue, he always got it fixed.”
Ellis said that he believed Creighton would be an “excellent person” for Smithtown government because he “knew he would perform well for the citizens.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) praised Creighton’s record, as the two worked together during Tierney’s time as an assistant prosecutor.
“He had a tremendous reputation and served with integrity,” said Tierney. “In many ways, he was a legendary figure in Suffolk County law enforcement.”
Retired Detective Chuck Lohmann, who now serves as Chief of the Head of the Harbor Police Department, said he worked as a young officer alongside Creighton during Creighton’s time at the District Attorney’s office, and said Creighton was “probably the singular most respected and revered cop I ever worked with.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Belinda Alvarez-Groneman said that Creighton “opened the doors and believed in me,” adding that “because of his leadership, it’s who I am today.”
Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) and Creighton met in 2011 and worked together to establish the Smithtown memorial park for 9-11 first responders.
“When I was elected sheriff, he was supportive of me and was a mentor and a role model,” said Toulon, adding that Creighton was “someone who had integrity” and had the “best interest in public safety and looked to keep Suffolk County safe.”
Creighton is survived by his wife, Geraldine, son, Bob Creighton, Jr., daughter Denise, daughter Deidre and her husband Kevin, daughter Erin, daughter Kerry and her husband Tim, and daughters-in-law Cathy and Paige, as well as his nine grandchildren.
