Beloved Late Syosset Vet Honored With Ceremonial Road Renaming

SYOSSET, NY — A portion of Underhill Boulevard in Syosset will now be known as "Gus Scutari Way" in honor of the late community leader and World War II veteran.

Nassau County Legislators Arnie Drucker of Plainview and Josh Lafazan of Woodbury celebrated the ceremonial renaming of Underhill Boulevard, between Jackson Avenue and Queens Street, with members of Scutari's family and local community leaders Friday, ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Scutari, who was known as "Mr. Memorial Day," coordinated the annual Syosset Memorial Day parade for more than 25 years and volunteered in a range of other roles. In 2013, he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame for his military service and community involvement.

Scutari served during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy. He was 24 when his ship was hit by a kamikaze bombing. Fourteen of his fellow sailors died in the attack.

Once out of the Navy, Scutari married Fran Zorbo of Woodbury and the couple settled in Syosset, where Scutari was a commander of the Post of the Veterans of Foreign Affairs and member of the American Legion.

"Gus Scutari is and was the epitome of a true American hero," Drucker said during the celebration."He served this country with honor and distinction, and after he served this country, he served his community. There’s no better way to pay tribute to this man than to have this area of Syosset renamed after him. We owe the freedoms and privileges and rights we have today to people like Gus Scutari."

Following an American Legion color guard presentation of the colors, Syosset-based Boy Scout Troop 170 led the Pledge of Allegiance and sung the National Anthem. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed bottled water and pizza, the latter of which was donated by local Cousins Pizza and Pasta.