Former Trustee 'Instrumental' In Patchogue Revitalization Reappointed In Patchogue Village

PATCHOGUE, NY — Former trustee Stephen Fuoco, who has been credited for being instrumental during the early revitalization efforts in Patchogue, was reappointed on Monday to fill the vacant seat on the Village Board left by the untimely passing of long-time trustee Joseph Keyes in March.

Fuoco was described as a long-time resident and dedicated community leader who brings decades of civic experience and professional expertise to the role. He will continue on in Keyes' footsteps as the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation.

He previously served as a Village Trustee from 1996 to 2004, holding leadership roles as chairperson of the Community Development Agency and Commissioner of Economic Development.

It was during that time, that he was "instrumental" in several key initiatives under former Mayor Steve Keegan’s administration, including the reopening of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, the redevelopment of the Lace Mill property, revitalization of the Breslin site, and the closure of substandard rooming houses, village officials said.

He later co-founded the Patchogue First Party and helped elect Mayor Paul Pontieri and his administration, contributing to the village’s long-term revitalization efforts.

His extensive community service includes involvement with the Patchogue Rotary, Patchogue Youth Athletic Association, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Patrons, and the Fuoco Golf Festival.

Village officials welcomed him back at Monday's board meeting and said they look forward to his continued leadership and service."

Pontieri called the passing of Keyes, who died days before he was to lead the village's St. Patrick's Day parade, a tragedy, and said his board struggled to find a replacement the past few months.

"He brings a tremendous amount of experience, a tremendous amount of work, to the village, and he's somebody that, on a personal level, that I can trust," he said. "I've always said that they're a couple of things that are important to me in this businesses: trust and loyalty. And that doesn't mean we really agree. That means I trust the decision you're making, that you're loyal to yourself into the community."

"And there are no surprises," he added.

"Steve brings that he brings that trust," he said. "He brings that ability, and he
brings that friendship."

Fuoco thanked the board, the public, and his family.

"It's an honor to replace Joe Keyes; it's big shoes to fill," he said. "And, I am very happy to be back and looking forward to helping the village."

Fuoco's roots in Patchogue trace back to childhood summers at Camp Read and visits on his grandfather’s Fuoco Buses.

He later attended Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, where he served as president of the Key Club. He studied Economics at Stony Brook University and is a certified insurance counselor and certified risk manager who currently works with Bradley and Parker in Melville, specializing in risk management and asset protection for businesses and families.

He and his wife, Jean Hawley, moved to the village in 1986 and raised their three children — Katy, Jim, and Michael.

This story will be updated. Check back later.