Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma), a five-term lawmaker, retired police officer, former police academy instructor, and ex-union official, died Tuesday. He was 75.
First elected to represent the county legislature’s fourth district in central Suffolk a decade ago, Muratore passed laws creating dedicated parking spaces for veterans at county buildings, school bus safety awareness, securing open space for parks, and monitoring the use of drones in county parks. He was vice chair of the public works, transportation and energy committee.
“He was a quiet warrior,” said Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Rob Calarco (D-Patchogue). “He chose his moments carefully, and when he spoke, people listened. During the COVID crisis, Tom 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.”
Muratore graduated from Central Islip High School in 1963 and lived in Ronkonkoma with his wife Linda since 1970. Before being elected to office in 2010, he was a police officer for 34 years and vice president of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents rank-and-file police officers, for 18 years.
“Public service coursed through his veins,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “Tom was the utmost professional, someone who was never afraid to reach across the aisle, especially when it came to working together to protect families, our veterans and our quality of life.”
Bellone directed flags at all county government facilities be flown at half-staff in Muratore’s honor.
“He worked tirelessly to improve our quality of life,” said Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia. “He was a one of a kind gentleman who made the world a better place for all of us and cannot be replaced. The prayers and condolences of the entire Suffolk County Republican Committee are with the Muratore family today as we mourn the loss of this remarkable man.”
