NEW YORK STATE SENATE HONORS THE LIFE OF WANTAGH RESIDENT JOE SUGAR

The New York State Senate recently paid tribute to Joe Sugar, a longtime Wantagh resident who passed away this past November 1^st. New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) sponsored the legislative resolution memorializing Mr. Sugar’s life and many years of community service.

Joe Sugar was a tireless advocate for music education in our schools. He served as President of the New York School Music Association, the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education, the National Association for Music Education Eastern Division, and the Nassau Music Educators Association.  A dedicated music teacher for more than 50 years, he served as a professor of education at Long Island University-CW Post, Director of Bands at Indiana University, Director of Bands at Bethpage High School, and Director of Music for the Hewlett-Woodmere School District.

Deeply committed to serving his community, Joe Sugar was an active member and past-President of the Wantagh Kiwanis Club and past-Commander of the Wantagh American Legion. He also served as the Master of Ceremonies of Wantagh’s annual Fourth of July Parade.     

In addition, the State Senate passed a second resolution, also sponsored by Senator Fuschillo, honoring Joe Sugar for posthumously being named “2009 Educator of Note” by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. This award is given to a Long Island music educator who demonstrates an exceptional and long-term commitment to music education.

With passage of these legislative resolutions, Joe Sugar will forever be memorialized in the history books as part of the New York State Senate’s official record.

Senator Fuschillo (right) is pictured as he presents copies of the Senate resolutions passed in honor of Joe Sugar to Mr. Sugar’s wife, Clara (right center) and son, Tom (left center). They are joined by Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (left).

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