The 58th annual Feast of Saint Liberata packed Main Street on Saturday, filling Patchogue Village with food, music, and tradition — and a heartfelt tribute to a hometown hero. This year’s parade and celebration honored Eugene “Gene” Perry, a third-generation Italian American, lifelong Patchogue resident, and president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).
Perry, whose grandfather emigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1900, has dedicated more than four decades to volunteer firefighting in Patchogue. He joined the Vanguard Hose Company Number One in 1979 and has since risen to lead FASNY, representing 80,000 volunteer firefighters across New York.
“Patchogue is in my blood,” Perry said. “My grandfather came here from Italy with very little, and now, generations later, I get to stand here in this community and be honored. I’m proud to carry forward both my Italian heritage and the tradition of service through firefighting.”
The festival transformed downtown into a lively street fair with vendors, live music, a classic car show, and a bocce tournament. Families enjoyed face painting, a petting zoo, “Touch a Truck” activities on South Ocean Avenue, and free kids’ crafts and cotton candy from the Patchogue-Medford Library. For adults, highlights included the popular Vino in the Village wine walk and a zeppole eating contest.
Legislator Dominick Thorne praised Perry at the event, calling him a model of public service. “Gene Perry has always gone above and beyond the call of duty to safeguard us and assist our first responders,” Thorne said. “His 45 years of dedication to Patchogue and his leadership at the state level truly embody the spirit of Saint Liberata and the Italian community here.”
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano echoed the sentiment: “Gene Perry represents the very best of our community—a man who has dedicated his life to service, both in Patchogue and across New York State. His leadership shows what can be accomplished when commitment and compassion come together.”
Perry has held leadership positions throughout his career, from the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association to the Southern New York Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Beyond his statewide role, Perry remains deeply rooted in his hometown. He served as an emergency services dispatcher in Patchogue until retiring in 2017 and continues to support the Ridge Fire Museum in Brookhaven. His legacy extends through his family — both of his sons serve in the Brookhaven Fire Department, with Patrick elected as commissioner and Christopher training recruits.
“This community gave so much to my family,” Perry reflected. “Being able to give back through firefighting and now being honored here at the Feast of Saint Liberata — it’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Feast, organized by the Italian-American community of Patchogue, has celebrated Saint Liberata since 1923. With the streets alive with music, food, and fellowship, this year’s edition not only carried on a beloved tradition but also spotlighted a local leader whose service has safeguarded communities across Long Island and New York State.