In a powerful tribute to a local hero, the Town of Brookhaven officially renamed Veterans Park in Blue Point as Anthony P. Mazzei Park, honoring the life and legacy of the late World War II veteran, former Brookhaven Town Police Officer, and beloved community member. The park on Blue Point Avenue now bears the name of a man remembered for his extraordinary sacrifice and lifelong service.
Born in Patchogue and a lifelong resident of Blue Point, Mazzei passed away at age 83. His wartime experience reads like a chapter from history’s most gripping volumes: serving as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he flew 10 missions aboard a famed Liberty Bell B-17 Flying Fortress. On his last mission, his plane was shot down. Captured by German forces, Mazzei spent 17 harrowing months in the notorious Stalag 17 prisoner of war camp, an experience Town Supervisor Dan Panico described as an “unimaginable ordeal.”
Mazzei was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in aerial flight, along with two Oak Leaf Clusters, signifying multiple acts of heroism. Following his military service, he joined the Brookhaven Town Police Department, serving the public before the department was absorbed into the Suffolk County Police. He was also a lifelong member of the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the American Ex‑Prisoners of War, a congressionally chartered group advocating for former POWs and their families.
“This park is a symbol of what he gave not only to Blue Point, but to the Town of Brookhaven and our nation,” said Supervisor Panico, who served on the board with Anthony’s son, Timothy Mazzei, when the town acquired the 18-acre property.
Now a New York State Supreme Court Justice, Judge Mazzei was visibly moved at the ceremony. “I can’t tell you enough how much of an honor this is,” he said, after receiving a town proclamation and an American flag flown over the White House in his father’s honor.
Councilman Neil Foley, who succeeded Mazzei on the board, emphasized the park’s popularity with local families. “This is the best jewel in all of Blue Point,” Foley said. “People love it.”
The park is more than a tranquil green space with natural vegetation and winding trails. It features a granite monument with four engraved panels honoring Blue Point’s fallen heroes and the community’s deep military heritage.
In a show of unity and respect, numerous officials attended the ceremony, including Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilmembers Neil Foley, Jane Bonner, Mike Loguercio, and Karen Dunne-Kesnig, along with Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Receiver of Taxes Lou Marcocchia, and Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro. Also present were Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, former Supervisor John LaMura, former Councilman Jim Tullo, and Joe Sauerwein, a 60-year member of the Blue Point Fire Department. Representatives of local veteran groups were also on hand to honor their comrade.
Representatives from Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, State Senator Dean Murray, and County Executive Ed Romaine also offered tributes.
As the community gathered under blue skies and was surrounded by the peaceful natural beauty of the renamed park, Anthony P. Mazzei’s legacy lived on—in an American flag waving gently in the breeze, the child exploring the trails, and every solemn inscription etched in granite. His story, once forged in fire and captivity, now inspires a town to remember, honor, and carry forward the values he so dearly embodied.