Patrick Vecchio
May 19, 2015
Patrick Vecchio
Award: Honoring Our Veterans
Year: 2015
United States Army
Patrick Vecchio is a lifelong public servant who has dedicated himself to the betterment of his community and his nation for over a half a century. Mr. Vecchio’s efforts on behalf of his nation began when he served as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, Mr. Vecchio continued his service by taking the oath to join the New York Police Department.
During his 20 year career as a member of the NYPD, Mr. Vecchio was chief of security for former New York City Mayor John Lindsay. In addition, he was a member of a special unit that protected visiting dignitaries including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
Upon his retirement as a Detective Sergeant in 1975, Mr. Vecchio decided to continue serving his community. For two years, he served as an Assistant Director of Special Investigations at the New York State Tax Department.
In 1977, Mr. Vecchio was elected by the voters of the Town of Smithtown to serve as supervisor. Supervisor Vecchio has been reelected by the Smithtown residents to 14 consecutive terms and is the longest tenured Supervisor in the history of Long Island. His tenure has allowed Supervisor Vecchio to enhance quality of life for the 120,000 residents of Smithtown and protect town taxpayers.
Throughout his 38 years in public office, Supervisor Vecchio has been honored by numerous groups, and is a member of multiple organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
Supervisor Vecchio is a graduate of St. John’s University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at C.W. Post College.