Tobay Marina Dedicated To Judge Joseph J. Saladino

This weekend, Tobay Beach Marina was the site of a solemn yet joyous occasion: the celebration of the life and times of a man who strived to make the Town of Oyster Bay a better place for his fellow man, woman, and child.

Tobay Marina has now been dedicated to this man, and has forevermore been re-christened the Joseph J. Saladino Memorial Marina.

A longtime Massapequa resident, Saladino served his country as a Marine during the Korean War; his town as a Oyster Bay Board Councilman; and his state as a New York Supreme Court Justice.

A massive crowd of family (including Saladino's widow, Jessie), friends, and local and state politicians gathered in the marina early Sunday morning to pay their respects to Saldino, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 75.

Officiating the proceedings was Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, who had first suggested the dedication of the marina to honor Saladino for his accomplishments.

"This is a very special day," he said. "When I became Town Supervisor, I inherited a great town, and the reason it's such a special place is because of people like Councilman Joe Saladino, whom I had the pleasure of knowing personally. He helped build and develop the Town of Oyster Bay, and if the day ever comes that we don't acknowledge that legacy, I fear we might lose some of the quality of life that we've come to enjoy."

After the United States flag was presented and raised by the United States Marine Corps Color Guard, the National Anthem was sung by Richard Hart.

Next, a prayer was given by Father Kenneth M. Zack, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa, where Judge Saladino was an usher for many years.

Zack explained that Saladino's love of the Great South Bay and his efforts to develop Tobay Beach and its boat basin are what lead to today's dedication of the marina in his name.

"Joe loved the beach, the boundary where land and sea meet," he said. "He loved the freedom, peace, and tranquility he felt living near the water, enjoying these beautiful wonders of God's creation."

Judge Saladino's son,  Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino, Jr. (R-Massapequa), spoke of the significance of the marina dedication to himself and his family.

"This is a tremendous honor," he said. "The Town of Oyster Bay recognizes the legacy of my father, and wanted to make sure that the public follows in his pursuits in protecting the environment, and a tremendous level of community service to others."

Saladino then paid tribute to his father's old friend Edward Perkins, a former ambassador to South Africa and the U.N.

"He and my father shared a tent together while serving in the Korean War, and they influenced each other; Dad did it on a much smaller scale here, providing more opportunities for Italian-Americans, and we are honored to have Ambassador Perkins here today."

Ambassador Perkins followed, captivating the crowd with tales of his time serving in Korea with Saladino and his efforts to end the tyranny of apartheid in South Africa.

"I'm proud to be a part of this affair today which honors a man that we will be honoring forever," he said. "The things that he's done here in Oyster Bay, the Supreme Court of this state, and in our Armed Forces, will affect all of us as we live our lives."

After a stirring rendition of the opera piece "Con Te Partiro" sung by Tom Petrone, the Saladino family unveiled the new sign, officially proclaiming the new marina in Joseph J. Saladino's name.

"I want to thank John Venditto and the Town Board members," Assemblyman Saladino said. "It's a testament of their unselfishness and their true leadership in recognizing my father's contributions to this community at large."