Last Wednesday, June 4, was the opening of the Gallego Financial Group of Raymond James, brought in with a celebration at the group’s office, the Octagon Hotel on West Main Street. The reception was lively and filled with many guests, all present to support East Norwich resident Alex Gallego, who acted as president of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce for three years, stepping down in 2010.
At the reception, Gallego said he was excited to be continuing his work in Oyster Bay. “We were committed to stay in Oyster Bay,” said Gallego. “We knew that this is the place we wanted to be.”
Previously, Gallego worked as senior vice president and branch manager of Stifel Nicolaus Financial Corp on Audrey Avenue, but when the office was rumored to close, Gallego left and joined Raymond James in order to stay in the area. Raymond James, of which the Gallego Financial Group is a branch, provides financial counseling to individuals and organizations, as well as assisting in investing and asset management.
The Octagon Hotel will be the home of the Gallego Financial Group; the hotel having a rich history all of its own. Originally a hotel as its name implies, it was the place where President Theodore Roosevelt had his staff’s offices during his time as governor of New York. In recent years it was used as an automotive garage.
“We’re happy that the renovations went so well and that we will be working here,” said Rosemarie, Gallego’s wife. “We’re able to preserve this little piece of history.”
The Gallegos and their three children, who will all attend Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale next fall, live in East Norwich where Gallego can commonly be seen walking his dog, Mikey, whom they adopted from Mike’s Barber Shop in town. Locally, he is the fundraising chairman of the Hispanic Cultural Center, coach in the Locust Valley/Bayville Soccer Club, and a member of the New York Military Reserve.
