It was a heartfelt ceremony unveiling the new sign for the Horseback Road Bridge over the LIE in honor of Niel Marturiello, a great family man, friend, and community leader.
They were all there from the groups he belonged to, including the Medford Fire Department, where the ceremony took place, SSG Keith Bishop VFW Post 2937, American Legion John R. Cacioppo Post 1848, Medford Chamber of Commerce, and the Medford Taxpayers, and Civic Association. He passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 75.
“Everyone says the same thing: Niel never said no to anyone; he was always there to help no matter what,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who sponsored the bill that renamed the bridge. “You could always count on Niel to help with whatever was going on; everybody loved him.”
“My dad was the man we all strived to be in this world,” his son, Michael, said. “He bonded with everyone he met; he was genuine, he lived his passion. He loved his family and friends, his community, the fire department, the American Legion, the VFW. He was just the best. We miss him every day.”
The Marturiello bill sailed through both houses of the legislature and was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul rather quickly compared to other legislation, noted its Senate sponsor, Dean Murray. “This is a big issue. With all of the negativity in this world, we need some good news. People will see the sign and Google it. They’ll learn about this great man and what he meant to his community. Niel didn’t want the accolades; he just wanted to help.”
Walter Maresco told a story about when he was commander of the VFW: “We had a flood in the basement, and I called Niel at 10 at night. By 10:30, he was there with a pump, and he stayed until 3:30 in the morning until the job was done.”
“I think Niel holds the record for the most proclamations from Brookhaven Town,” said Councilman Neil Foley. “Medford Park was his baby; he made sure it was a beautiful place. He had a big heart for his community.”
“I was introduced to Niel when l first ran for office. He wanted to know what l would do to help the community and the fire service,” Councilman Mike Loguercio remembered. “He was that kind of guy.”
“If we had more Niels in the world, we would be in much better shape,” stated Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne. “He always found time to help. He made friends with everyone; he never said no.”
“We make it a point to honor people like Niel. His legacy will live on,” said Legislator Nick Caracappa, who pointed out that Niel’s family was also very generous. “Thank you for giving us this man.”
Marturiello served as a Medford Fire District Commissioner, became board president, and was a fireman for over 50 years. He fought with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1975. Following his service, he commanded both the VFW Post and the American Legion. When the nation was attacked on 9/11, Marturiello was a Ground Zero responder.
“We called him Mr. Medford. If we were a village, he would have been mayor,” said Assemblyman DeStefano.
“He was a friend, a mentor, my brother from another mother; he was one of my biggest supporters,” said a neighbor, Linda Davis. “He always rose to a challenge. Whatever anyone needed, he was always the first one there. He always had everyone’s back, and for that, he will never be forgotten.”