Former County Executive Tom Gulotta passed away this morning, Monday, Aug. 5, at age 75. The Republican served in the position from 1987 until 2001.
“We’ve just gotten word that former county executive Tom Gulotta has passed away,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran at an unrelated press conference earlier today. “He actually became a good personal friend of mine as I was serving. We met and we spoke often. I’m very sorry to hear the news. I know his wife quite well. We send all of our best wishes to his family, to [his wife] Betsy, to his children and we thank him for his service to our residents here in Nassau County. May he rest in peace.”
Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello also shared his thoughts in a press release.
“It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of former County Executive Tom Gulotta. He was one of the brightest and most gifted elected officials I have met in my years in county government. He was a hard-working public servant and was counted as a friend by residents in every corner of the county. Tom Gulotta served with distinction and dignity and will be missed. My condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”
“I was very sad to learn of the passing of former Nassau County Executive and Hempstead Town Presiding Supervisor Tom Gulotta,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen.
“As a lifelong resident of North Merrick, Tom advocated fiercely for our communities and dedicated his life to public service. Having served his constituents on the local and state level, Tom’s experience and tenacity proved vital as he led this county for over a decade. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. He will be missed.”
Nassau County Democratic Committe Chairman Jay Jacobs also released a statement.
“On behalf of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the Gulotta family on the untimely passing of our former county executive. While of a different political party, and although not in agreement on most areas of policy, those who knew him, from both parties, could only say that he was a kind and gentle man who demonstrated class when things went his way and grace when they did not. As county chairman I got to know Tom Gulotta as our former county executive and I can say that he was always warm, gracious and welcoming. Democrats and Republicans can both learn from him. While he was loyal to his party, he was more loyal to his country.”
Editor’s note: Anton Media Group will continue to update this article as more statements become available.