A tear-jerking event brought the tight-knit Hauppauge community together once again last Saturday as family, friends, and coworkers met on the corner of Route 111 and Route 454 to remember fallen PAPD Officer Steve Tursellino in a street renaming ceremony.
Steve Tursellino was a beloved husband, father, and friend to so many within Hauppauge. His courageous career as a Port Authority Police Officer brought him to the toxic environment of ground zero, where he selflessly worked to help thousands of New Yorkers and their families. Tursellino passed away ten years ago from 9/11-related injuries and has been honored for his services not only on that day, but within Hauppauge as well. As a father of four, Tursellino was a dedicated little league coach who, according to his wife Lisa, would switch his entire work schedule to be at every baseball practice and game for his son and his friends.
“These signs are more than just signs to us,” said Lisa Tursellino. “This placement couldn’t be anymore perfect, placed on part of the running trail we’ve logged so many miles on.” Lisa, along with her eldest son Jake, are avid road runners. Earlier this year, the two ran for the Tunnel to Towers marathon team in honor of their husband and father. They spent over six months training on the roads of Hauppauge and raised $18,000 for their cause.
Steps away from the Hauppauge Fire Department and just down the road from the Hauppauge High School stands the sign marking Port Authority Police Officer Steven J. Tursellino Memorial Highway.
“From what I’ve heard, my dad was someone everyone wanted to be around. He was thoughtful, selfless, kind, loving and brave,” said Ryan Tursellino, daughter of Steve and Lisa. “Dad, growing up without you has been so hard. But it has taught me that no one is ever really gone. You’re everywhere. You’re in the town I grew up in, the baseball field, the lights, my high school, my siblings. You’re everywhere. Most importantly you’re with me. Every day I want to exemplify the type of person you were. Be the best person I can be and honor you. I also want to thank my mom for everything she does for my family and I. I don’t know how she does it. I am so beyond grateful for you, and I appreciate you more than you know. Driving past this sign everyday will be a reminder that he will always be here forever.”
“These events are really bittersweet for us. Steve has been recognized before. His name is on the Police Officer Memorial in our State Capital. On our National Law Enforcement Memorial in our Nation’s Capital, in our 9/11 Responder Park in Nesconset, and the 9/11 Memorial in Point Lookout, and last week his picture was added to the lobby of the PBA offices in New Jersey. We are always so proud and honored to attend any event in his memory, but they can be so hard to navigate,” said Lisa. “Today is different though. Today we get to remember him and honor him with our family, our friends, in our town.”
“Steve would have hated all this attention. He was quiet and he was kind, and he was most definitely humble,” described Lisa. “He was never the loudest person in the room, but he was the most engaging. He made you feel safe, he made you feel heard, and he made you feel loved. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family or with his friends. He never missed a school event, a game, a tournament, or an opportunity to be with our friends, and he never complained. Ever.”
Officer Tursellino worked nights and spent every waking hour he could with his family. Lisa described him as a family-oriented and hardworking man.
“Having his name on the two sides of the town that he loved is more than we could ever ask for and we are so grateful to have him home with us.”
“On behalf of the Port Authority PBA, we are very happy everyone is here today to perpetuate Steve’s memory and legacy. His legacy sits here right in front of us. Lisa, kids, it is absolutely humbling to be here in your presence,” says Port Authority PBA President Frank Conti. “I say this to Steve’s family, this is for you. When you drive by it, when your friends, the kids’ friends drive by it, they will be thinking of you. This is part of our vow to always honor and never forget our brother Steve and his family.”
“The entire Port Authority family and the PBA continue to live up to their promise to always honor and never forget their fallen officers. It’s been 10 years since Steve passed away and they continue to honor him and us and we are so appreciative,” added Lisa.
Steve and Lisa’s daughter, Reagan, shared a touching story of her father’s selflessness and care for others at the ceremony.
“Being able to hear stories from family members and friends about him shows me that my dad was so selfless, and he always wanted to see others happy,” said Reagan. “Dad, every day I will continue to show you, I will try my hardest for you, everything is for you. And to the strongest person I know, my mom. Mom, you stepped up as a widow parent to take care of us four. I’m so thankful I get to call you my mom. You bring happiness to us every day. You get up every morning to take on another day without daddy. It shows me the amount of strength you have. And dad, I hope Heaven is treating you amazing, and I hope it is as you always described it. I can’t wait to see your face again and give you the biggest hug. You will never be forgotten. I love you so much. To everyone here, never forget to hug your loved ones because you never know when the last time will be.”
“Officer Tursellino was a Hauppauge boy; he grew up here in Hauppauge, the great community that I was raised in too. He bled Hauppauge blue,” said Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) He coached little league, was a police officer, and a volunteer. He will always be remembered on this stretch of roadway. And it is an honor and privilege to drive on this stretch of roadway and see Officer Tursellino’s name,” said Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick. “It is a wonderful memorial, it is a great way to remember a wonderful man, a great family man, a great police officer, and a great member of the Hauppauge community.
“Officer Tursellino was a true American hero. A ground zero first responder who went into the ashes of the catastrophic attack on our great nation on September 11, 2001, to rescue those who could be saved, and return home the remains of those who did not make it,” said Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills). “He lost his battle with 9/11-related cancer ten years ago at the age of 45, leaving behind his beloved wife Lisa, his four children Jake, Ryan, Reagan, and Thomas, his parents, his brother, his coworkers, his neighbors, and all who loved him. May this dedication serve as an eternal reminder of his courage, his commitment to duty, and his love for his neighbors and his country, and may he always serve as an example to all of us to follow.”
“I am so proud to be here today to unveil this street sign in honor of a hero,” said Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). “Every time that I drive by, every time that anyone drives by, we will be saluting to this hero. He will always be missed, and he will never be forgotten. God bless the Tursellino family, God bless everybody here today.”
The street sign honoring Steve Tursellino stands tall on the busy road of 111. For those who knew him, comfort can be found in the idea that anybody who passes by will have Officer Tursellino on their minds.
