Suffolk County Legis. Tom Muratore, a dedicated public servant in the Sachem community for many years, passed away on Tuesday. He was 75 and suffering from cancer, according to officials.
Serving the 4th legislative district, Muratore lived with his wife Linda in Ronkonkoma since 1970. He served the communities of Farmingville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma and other hamlets in central Brookhaven.
“For the last 10 years, he served his constituents with passion and unwavering dedication,” said Rob Calarco, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature. “Around the horseshoe, he was a quiet warrior. He chose his moments carefully, and when he spoke, people listened.”
Most recently during the COVID crisis, Muratore was there for his constituents in every way.
“Even if that meant putting himself at risk – because that is the kind of public servant he was,” said Calarco. “Suffolk County residents have lost a tireless advocate. Our hearts go out to his wife, Linda, and their family at this difficult time.”
According to a statement from the legislature, Muratore was a former Suffolk County police officer, union law enforcement official, and had over 34 years of service to the community.
Among his achievements in government, he secured open space for ballfields, parks and walking trails, sponsored a law to provide dedicated parking spaces for veterans at county facilities and was instrumental in getting a bill adopted to monitor the use of drones in county parks. On a mission to protect children, he also sponsored legislation for bus safety awareness.
“A mentor, a friend and a true gentleman,” wrote Suffolk County Legis. Anthony Piccirillo. “My heart aches for his wife and his family as well as the residents of the 4th legislative district which he served with pride. Please join me and say a prayer for Legislator Muratore; he will be deeply missed.”
On his Suffolk County legislative website Muratore had a commitment to his constituents.
He wrote, “It is truly an honor to serve as Suffolk County Legislator for a fifth term. As a man of the people, my commitment is to keep Suffolk County a great place to live, work and raise families.”
