Honorable Anthony J. "Tony" Santino

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt respect that the Village of East Rockaway mourns the passing of Trustee Anthony J. Santino, 64, a dedicated Trustee of our Village Board and former Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. A lifelong public servant, Tony's distinguished career in government spanned decades and reflected his steadfast commitment to the community that shaped him.

Before being elected the chief executive of America's largest township, Tony served with distinction as a Town Board Member, later earning recognition as the longest-tenured member of his party to ever hold that office. Known for his diligence, integrity, and both his command of and commitment to good local government, Tony set a standard of service that will endure for generations.

The son of the late John A. and Frances Santino, Tony was proudly educated in East Rockaway's own schools. A graduate of Centre Avenue School and East Rockaway High School, he remained deeply connected to classmates and lifelong friends from his early days. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from St. John's University, an achievement that reflected both his intellect and his work ethic.

Tony began his public service career as a staff member for the late Congressman Norman F. Lent, eventually rising to serve as District Director - a role through which he championed the needs of his neighbors on the national stage.

For more than four decades, Tony was a devoted Lector at St. Raymond's Church, where his voice became a fixture of faith and fellowship. Beyond the Catholic community, he worked tirelessly to strengthen bonds between faiths in our community, fostering unity with local congregations such as the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and Temple Am-Echad in Lynbrook. He was a proud charter member of the St. Raymond's Knights of Columbus, an active member of the East Rockaway Kiwanis Club, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Judge Frank A. Gulotta Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and an honorary member of Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Even in the final weeks of the battle with illness, Tony remained deeply engaged in the life of the village – offering thoughtful counsel, measured judgment, and unwavering dedication to his colleagues. His voice, wisdom, and compassion were a source of strength to Mayor Gordon Fox, Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano, and the entire Village Board and staff.

The Village of East Rockaway honors the memory and legacy of the Honorable Anthony J. "Tony" Santino – a loyal son of our community, a devoted public servant, and a cherished friend and neighbor whose legacy of service and love for East Rockaway will never be forgotten.