Patrick Vecchio Attends Final Town Meeting As Supervisor

SMITHTOWN, NY - The longest-running town supervisor attended his final town board meeting as supervisor on Tuesday.

Smithtown Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, who was first elected to office in 1977, was part of the last meeting of the year which began at 2 p.m.

The hour long meeting began with a standing ovation from all the attendees as Vecchio walked in.

"I just wanted to say thank you, 40 years ago my family came here to town and moved in and at that same time, there was a young maverick who took on the establishment and that was the beginning of an era," one local resident said to Vecchio during the meeting. "I'm sad to say it's now the end of an era. I wish you all the best."

Councilman Thomas McCarthy also spoke to Vecchio, recounting when he met the supervisor in 1977 while McCarthy was working in the parks department.

"I want to thank you for allowing me to serve with you for the 20 years," he said.

Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo also thanked Vecchio for helping her 5 years ago.

"I met you in 2012 when my neighborhood had a quality of life issue, I reached out to the DEC which I was told to do and I wasn't getting much help, I reached out to your office and one hour later you called back and it meant a lot to us," she said. "You've been the most incredible mentor."

Vecchio then spoke about his time in public service, which began with his service in the military before becoming a member of the NYPD and then eventually working for the Town of Smithtown.

"I have been in public service all of my life and I can tell you in my opinion, there is no greater reward then to serve your fellow human beings," he said.

The 86-year-old was beat out in the most recent primary election in September by Councilman Ed Wehrheim.

According to Wehrheim, he won by only 83 votes.

"I just wanted to let you know I have big shoes to fill, I'm fully aware of that and I intend to do my best to do that," he told Vecchio during the meeting.

Patch File Photo