Senator Johnson Honors 2008 Distinguished Bay Shore- Brightwaters Citizen

Owen H. Johnson

June 8, 2008

 State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, along with the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, posthumously  honored Kenneth Turrisi as the 2008 Distinguished Bay Shore-Brightwaters Citizen at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore.   The award recognizes individuals of outstanding character who made notable contributions to their society and inspired others through their model citizenship.

 Throughout his lifetime, Ken Turrisi offered his services and talents to numerous organizations: he was president of the West Babylon Lions Club, president of the O’Conec Homeowners Association, president of the Bay Shore Tuna Club, and a respected member of the Chamber and Business Improvement District boards.  Among Ken Turrisi’s many efforts to bring about Bay Shore’s revitalization was the transformation of the former Baybright Hotel into an attractive housing complex, the conversion of blighted structures on Fifth and Saxon Avenues into handsome apartments, and the construction of the Main Street Band Shell. These structures all now stand as a testament to Ken’s legacy.

 “Ken Turrisi truly made a lasting mark on Bay Shore,” said Senator Owen H. Johnson.  “It’s very appropriate that we honor him as this year’s outstanding citizen and it is my honor to present his family with a New York State Legislative Resolution recognizing his many contributions.”

 Pictured, from left to right, are: Carolyn and Chris Turrisi; Kara Marie Turrisi; Maria Turrisi; Senator Owen H. Johnson; and Assemblyman Philip M. Boyle.