Town Officials Dedicate Long Beach Concert Stage in Memory of Beloved Employee Don Misuraca
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim took to the stage at Long Beach Friday night to unveil a plaque atop of the new concert stage, formally dedicating it to Parks Labor Crew Leader II Don Misuraca. On Friday, July 8th, Supervisor Wehrheim led the opening ceremony together with Councilman Tom Lohmann, Town Clerk Vincent Puleo, Superintendent of Recreation Tom McCaffery and Director of Parks Joe Arico. In addition to hundreds of community members who packed the beach to enjoy the popular weekly concert, members of the Smithtown Parks Department, Public Safety and the Highway Department were on hand to commemorate and honor their colleague and friend, long time Town employee Don Misuraca, who passed away suddenly in January. The Naked Truth Band, founded by Misuraca’s former colleague and Smithtown Highway employee Joe Cannone, performed after the ceremony.
“Donny loved his job. He was a good friend, an outstanding crew leader and was always first to volunteer to help with community projects such as beach cleanups, working with Scout Troops, and the Youth Bureau. I believe he’s here with us in spirit on this perfect summer evening, smiling at his many friends and coworkers who are here with us tonight in his honor.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Don Misuraca was a Smithtown native who began his career with the Town of Smithtown in April of 1993 working for the Highway Department. He transferred to the Parks Department in 1999 as a Laborer where he worked primarily on maintaining the town’s ballfields and beaches. Don worked his way up through various promotions over the years. In May of 2021, Don Misuraca was promoted to Labor Crew Leader II. He devoted much of his time to ensuring Smithtown’s beaches and parks were kept in pristine conditions for the residents.
“I think this crowd here tonight really represents the life and legacy Donny has left us with. He was an outstanding role model for the younger guys, always went above and beyond the call of duty and was a friend to all who made his acquaintance. He loved this town, its people and he loved what he did every day. We miss him tremendously… This tribute is fitting and unforgettable, much like Donny.” - Joe Arico, Director of Parks, Buildings & Grounds
The newly constructed concert stage was completed with a roof structure in March of this year, to protect the bands and equipment from weather elements. The plaque reads: This concert stage is dedicated to our friend Donny Misuraca, Smithtown Parks Department Employee