A collection of local officials came together on April 23 to honor a former colleague, the late, five-time elected Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma).
The group of current and former officials from across Long Island celebrated the life of Muratore by renaming Farmingville Hills County Park the “Thomas Muratore County Park at Farmingville Hills.”
The park, located on Portion Road, will serve as a permanent reminder of the years of community service Muratore expounded over his lifetime. Aptly located in his district, a park is a fitting monument to Muratore, who worked to secure additional open spaces and parkland over his tenure.
“This weekend’s turnout was a testament to the type of man Tom was,” stated Legislator Nicholas Caracappa (C-Selden). “He had a lifelong career serving and protecting the public, and renaming this park after him will help to ensure his legacy lives on in the community he loved so much. I’d like to thank all who made this day possible, with a special thanks to the offices of the County Executive, Parks Department, and the Presiding Officer. I know Tom was smiling down on this beautiful event.”
Caracappa was joined by Linda Muratore, the late legislator’s wife, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D-Babylon), and colleagues in the Legislature: Legislators Kevin McCaffery (R-Babylon), Leslie Kennedy, Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Huntington), Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park). Additionally, Assemblymembers Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead), Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) and Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) attended with many former friends and colleagues from other chapters of Muratore’s life.
Muratore served in the Suffolk County Legislature from 2010 to 2020. Prior to serving in the legislature, Muratore was a police officer for 35 years, 18 of which were spent as Vice President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolence Association. During his time on the force, he was a patrol officer and taught at the police academy. He died at the age of 75.
Muratore graduated from Central Islip High School in 1963. He resided in Ronkonkoma with his wife, Linda.
During his tenure, he was known to reach across the aisle to serve the needs of his community. Whether it was securing parklands, fighting illegal dumping, or handling constituent concerns, he approached his work with a professionalism that was dearly noted by colleagues. He was also a proponent of legislation to regulate drone flying on county property.
Immediately after his passing, Muratore was described by then-Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Rob Calarco as “a quiet warrior.”
“He chose his moments carefully, and when he spoke, people listened.”
Today, his legacy still gives us much to reflect on. His decades of public service are highlighted by tangible accomplishments that his legislative district and Suffolk County are able to cherish.
Even towards the end of his life, as the pandemic began, Muratore worked tirelessly at considerable risk to himself for his constituents.
