Patrick Vecchio, Longtime Smithtown Supervisor, Dies At 88

SMITHTOWN, NY - Patrick Vecchio, the longest-running supervisor for the Town of Smithtown, died this past Saturday night. He was 88.

Vecchio, who was first elected to office in 1977, served as town supervisor until 2017 when he lost the primary election in September to currently supervisor Ed Wehrheim. Vecchio only lost by 83 votes.

At his final town board meeting in December 2017, Vecchio received a standing ovation and praise from many of the attendees.

"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.

In addition, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo thanked Vecchio for helping her back in 2012.

"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."

Prior to working for the town, Vecchio was a member of the military before becoming a member of the NYPD.

Photo courtesy of Clayton Funeral Home

"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 in 2017.

Many local officials and residents have expressed their condolences on social media.

The St. James Fire Department also announced their flags will be at half mast in his memory.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as well as Thursday, April 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Clayton Funeral Home on 25 Meadow Road in Kings Park.

A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday starting at 3:15 p.m.

Vecchio will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery.