Honoring a Legacy: Farmingville Hills County Park Renamed in Memory of Leg. Tom Muratore
By Michael Wentz
In a touching ceremony held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, public officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to commemorate the renaming of the beloved Farmingville Hills County Park. This 107-acre green space will now be known as Thomas Muratore Park at Farmingville Hills, in honor of the late Suffolk Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma).
The event, hosted by county Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), majority leader of the Legislature, was a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of Legislator Muratore. Less than two months after Muratore’s untimely passing on September 8, 2020, Caracappa succeeded him by special election. Caracappa also sponsored the legislation to rename the park as a fitting tribute to his predecessor’s dedication and service to the community.
Elected leaders from various levels of government, including town, county, and state representatives, came together to honor Muratore’s memory. County Executive Steve Bellone (D) spoke passionately about Muratore’s remarkable ability to bridge divides and unite people from all walks of life.
One particularly touching moment of the ceremony was when Michael Wentz, founder and president of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, presented Muratore’s wife, Linda, with a heartfelt proclamation. Prepared in collaboration with the Sachem Public Library of Holbrook, the proclamation recognized Muratore’s unwavering support for his community and local businesses. It spoke to his enduring impact, which will be felt for generations to come.
Reflecting on the significance of the park’s renaming, Wentz expressed gratitude to Legislator Caracappa for not only honoring a remarkable individual but also for preserving the spirit of Farmingville Hills within the park’s name. “The park, centered in our hamlet, inspired me to name the Chamber, the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce,” Wentz remarked. “We are duly thankful to Legislator Nick Caracappa for naming the park after a phenomenal person and for maintaining Farmingville Hills in the park’s name.”
The renaming of Farmingville Hills County Park to Thomas Muratore County Park serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of a dedicated public servant and community leader. As visitors enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this green space, they will also reflect on the legacy of Legislator Tom Muratore and the values he embodied.