LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Anthony Gazzola, former
Detective, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Gazzola of Bellport, New York died on Sunday, Decem-
ber 27, 2015, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Anthony "Tony" Gazzola distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Tony Gazzola began his illustrious law enforcement career
with the New York Police Department (NYPD), where he rose through the
ranks to the esteemed position of Detective; and
WHEREAS, He then went on to serve as an Undercover Detective in the
101st Precinct, Far Rockaway, New York, a position from which he offi-
cially retired in 1983; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Gazzola's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, After his retirement, Tony Gazzola, fondly remembered as the
"unofficial mayor", was a friendly and ubiquitous presence in both East
Patchogue and North Bellport, New York; and
WHEREAS, Whether it was gaining the trust and respect of the most-
feared teenage gang member in the neighborhood, or pushing local offi-
cials to create safe spaces for kids to play, Tony Gazzola was always
helping someone; and
WHEREAS, Many times Tony Gazzola would bring home strangers for
dinner, sometimes the homeless, or people who he was helping through his
volunteer work with the Red Cross; he was also known as "The Cake Man",
collecting day-old cakes from a local bakery and delivering them to
retirement homes, churches and families in need; and
WHEREAS, Tony Gazzola also founded the South Country Community Confer-
ence, a regional nonprofit focused on quality of life issues ranging
from potholes to drug intervention; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Tony Gazzola was the driving force behind estab-
lishing Martha Avenue Park and getting baseball and football fields
there for kids; in the 1990s, he initiated the Safe Summer Youth
Program; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Gazzola is survived by his loving wife of 54 years,
Laura, his three sons, and eight grandchildren, as well as four great-
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Anthony Gazzola leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Anthony Gazzola, former Detective, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Anthony Gazzola.