Stephen Nicolino

Charles J. Fuschillo

May 19, 2013

Stephen Nicolino

Award: Honoring Our Veterans

Year: 2013

Stephen Nicolino is a devoted and tireless advocate for our nation’s heroes. His family has a long history of service to our nation. His father and four brothers all served in the armed forces and his two sisters worked in the defense industry during World War II. Mr. Nicolino followed in that proud family tradition, serving in the Air Force from 1952-1956. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, and New York State Medal for Merit.

After his military discharge, Mr. Nicolino served his fellow veterans with the same passion and dedication that he served his country. He is a long-time member and past-Commander of the Freeport American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He maintains a leadership role in organizing Freeport’s Memorial Day Parade and Veterans Day services to ensure that the sacrifi ces of Freeport’s veterans are always remembered. He is also Chairman of Freeport’s Veterans Advisory Council.

One of his most personal causes was installing signs on the Southern State Parkway and Long Island Expressway directing motorists to Long Island National Cemetery, which is the fi nal resting place for over 325,000 American veterans, including Mr. Nicolino’s brother. After hearing from many individuals that they had trouble locating the cemetery to pay their respects to the veterans, Mr. Nicolino spent years spearheading the effort to get the signs installed, which they ultimately were in 2005.

Mr. Nicolino also gives back to the community professionally. As the co-owner of Nicolino Construction, Mr. Nicolino and his brother, Al, donated their time and services to build a monument in Freeport to honor the local veterans who gave their lives in service to their country. Mr. Nicolino is also a past President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Nicolino and his wife, Mary Patricia, reside in Freeport. They are the proud parents of Stephen, Pattie Anne & Regina, and loving grandparents of 10 grandchildren.