It’s no secret that Port Washington is and has been home to many of Long Island’s big names. Here are 10 celebrities and notable people from Port Washington. Did we miss any? Leave us a comment and let us know!
1. Pete Fornatale
A long-time resident of Port, Fornatale was an author, highly respected DJ in New York City where he was considered pioneer of FM Rock radio. This Fordam University alum died on April 26, 2012.
2. Jean Ritchie
The Kentucky-born folksinger was a key figure in the folk revival of the mid 20th century. This Port resident was responsible for bringing the dulcimer to the attention of mainstream audiences. And she not only played with the likes of Doc Watson, but also received a Fulbright Scholarship to research folk music.
3. Marian McPartland
Port is still mourning the death in August 2013 of this jazz legend. She was born in England, but Port was her home for decades, and she was a familiar presence in town. She performed for kings as well as the underprivileged (as in the accompanying photo).
4. John Philip Sousa
His home on Hicks Lane is a Port Washington landmark. And we have named a school as well as a bandshell for this composer of military and patriotic tunes. Not only did he invent the sousaphone, but he also was on the entertainment committee of the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. Sousa died in 1932.
5. Burt Young
Famous for his role in Rocky, the 74-year-old Young is more than just a famous, well-regarded actor. He also is an accomplished painter, working in his Main Street studio/home. Young also is known for giving his time and lending his celebrity to good causes in the community.
6. Perry Como
The singer and leading TV celebrity of the 1950s, Como lived in Sands Point, and was an accomplished golfer. On the October 3, 1962, broadcast of his TV show, Como played 18 holes at the Sands Point Club with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.
7. Carlos Beltrán
The New York Yankee outfielder lived in Port during his pro career. Born in Puerto Rico, was the Rookie of the Year in 1999 while with the Kansas City Royals. His lasting fame is as a hitter in the post season. Some have called him “The Other Mr. October.”
8. Kenneth Langone
This founder of The Home Depot was raised in Roslyn Heights, the child of a plumber and cafeteria worker. A Sands Point resident, Langone is a notable philanthropist in causes ranging from hospitals (Manhattan’s Langone Medical Center) to universities (the Langone Program at NYU’s Stern School of Business).
9. Johnny Winter
The rock guitarist and perhaps America’s best-known albino took up residence in Sands Point in the 1970s.
10. John J. Floherty
A prolific author of the mid 20th century, this resident of Baxter Estates wrote more than 40 career-oriented books for young people, including Our FBI: An Inside Story, Sentries of the Sea, and Five Alarm: The Story of Fire Fighting. He died on December 3 1964
