One very tight-knit community in Commack gathered together on Friday morning, to commemorate the life, labor and love of the man they called, the Mayor of Seminole Drive, Michael Antonucci. The retired NYPD Officer and 9-11 first responder passed away after a battle with ALS, this past November. Local Officials, the NYPD Chaplains Unit and Color Guard, along with members of the Commack Fire Department, family and friends, all united together to unveil the renaming of Seminole Drive as P.O. Michael Antonucci Way.
Antonucci was revered as the heart of his Commack neighborhood for many reasons. None other more famous than his annual organizing of the Seminole Drive block party. At Antonucci’s wake, members of the community had a “Mayor of Seminole Drive” street sign made to be presented with the ocean of floral arrangements. What began as a small gesture during a somber farewell, evolved into an idea to keep Michael Antonucci alive, eternally. And so, it became a mission to rename Seminole Drive, prior to this year’s block party. In April, neighbor and dear family friend, Carolyn Crispino, alongside Michael’s wife Debra, began drafting a letter to Councilman Wehrheim’s attention.
In just a few short months, the approval of the street dedication was set in motion. With the additional help of Fire Commissioner for Commack F.D. Steve Fontana, who many New Yorker’s know as a member of the NYPD Honor Guard to carry the casket of Officer Rafael Ramos, in December of 2014. Fontana helped to enlist members of the Commack Fire Department, the NYPD Chaplains Unit and the NYPD Ceremonial Unit to give the Mayor of Seminole Drive a special ceremony, worthy of a true hero.
Shortly after 10AM on Friday July 8th, 2016 a grateful community gathered for the unveiling. Councilman Ed Wehrheim began by thanking the residents and the Antonucci family for the privilege and honor to be a part of this great celebration of life, duty and sodality.
“I started on this journey about a month ago, after receiving an extraordinary letter from Debra’s friend, Carolyn Crispino. When I read it, I said to myself I had to get this done in time for the Seminole Drive Block Party. I thank the people who help to expedite this street dedication… my good friend and Town Clerk, Vincent Puleo, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy and Comptroller John Kennedy. I also want to thank the NYPD, Monsieur David Cassato,Commissioner Steve Fontana of the Commack Fire Department and NYPD Honor Guardsman… I am proud to tell you, that when you have your block party in a couple of weeks, you will have it on P.O. Michael Antonucci Way.” – Councilman Ed Wehrheim
Legislator Leslie Kennedy spoke of her deep roots within the hamlet of Commack, in which she grew up in and what it means to see a neighborhood come together for one another, like the one she was raised in. In addition to her speaking, Legislator Kennedy presented the family with a special proclamation to commemorate the days events and the extraordinary life of Michael Antonucci.
“Michael Antonucci’s story is one we should all emulate. He did brutal work, spending four months on the Pile at ground zero. But he did it for the love of humanity. While Michael is not here physically, I am sure that he will be present at the block party, just as he will be watching over every one of you, always.” – Legislator Leslie Kennedy
After praising the councilman for his efforts, Comptroller John Kennedy took special care to discuss the kind of heroism that Antonucci displayed every day he put on the badge. He spoke to the type of man that loves his neighbors like family, who worked to find the lost among the rubble when the Nation was most vulnerable.
“I want to especially thank Councilman Ed Wehrheim, who we fondly call the tip of the spear here in Smithtown, for expediting this street naming… So Michaels memory is recognized here, day in and day out everyday, as a true representation of our heart and our spirit here in the hamlet of Commack. It takes a special man to wake up every morning and put on that uniform and badge and go forward and to serve. We see today, what the consequences can be at any time for any of these men you see here in uniform and likewise what Michael Faced. He went in willingly, he went in to defend us, to defend freedom and this nation at it’s most vulnerable. I can’t thank you enough Mrs. Antonucci and to your two sons and on behalf of the 1.5 million people of Suffolk County we are grateful to honor Michael’s sacrifice and memory.” -Comptroller John Kennedy
There wasn’t a dry eye on the block when Debra Antonucci thanked everyone prior to the unveiling. Her two sons stood proudly beside her as she tried to hold back her tears. Debra closed by inviting everyone who was there, to celebrate her husband’s memory at the block party in two weeks.
“I love you all like my own family and my boys are so appreciative. Thank you Carolyn for helping me to write this beautiful letter. I hope everyone here today will be at the block party on July 23rd.” – Debra Antonucci