'Legendary Acts Of Kindness': Bayport-Blue Point Mourns Beloved Community Member

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT, NY – The Bayport-Blue Point community is mourning the loss of a dedicated community member who was a "fierce champion of local business" and a pivotal force in the hamlet's Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Lenore Ringer-Prezioso, of Bayport, died July 5 after a "courageous" battle with cancer. She was 60 years old.

According to her obituary, Ringer-Prezioso took over as chairwoman for the parade in 2015 and served as grand marshal in 2019. She reported for the Bayport-Blue Point Gazette and was a member of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce, the Bayport-Blue Point Lions Club and the Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association.

Karl Auwaerter, president of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce, paid tribute to Ringer-Prezioso on social media, writing: "It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that I write to inform you of the passing of Lenore Ringer-Prezioso. For decades, Lenore has been the guiding light, and for that matter, the Band leader, of so many events, projects, organizations, and of course, her family.

"The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce was her passion; she was a fierce champion of local business and many of our business leaders can thank Lenore for getting them involved.

"Of course, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will always be her finest Chamber accomplishment. Her passion and drive are what made it possible to hold such a wonderful parade that has brought together our two communities for many years.

"Becoming Grand Marshal was her rightful place in the history of the parade and a highlight of her accomplishments. Bringing together people was her superpower. You knew Lenore the moment you met her, there was no façade, just straight-up Lenore, and you were better for it.

"Lenore’s acts of kindness are legendary. Whether it was baking a special cake for a special occasion or just because, of course, Irish soda bread during parade season (which is about 6 months), or a painting or gift basket.

"She knew what it took to raise your spirits. Of course, she was fierce. If Lenore knew it was good for the community, then it was best to join in. Her passion is what made Lenore, Lenore. Countless students benefited from her care, concern, and ability to network and help others achieve their goals.

"The loss is tremendous, a life cut too short but lived to the fullest. Lenore squeezed everything out of every day. While the loss is great, the roadmap Lenore has left for us is clear- when people get involved, work together and go forth with kindness and desire to make our BBP a wonderful place to live- we all benefit. That is Lenore’s legacy in our community. She made it better because she cared.

"Lenore was a beautiful person, inside and out. On behalf of the entire Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and enduring gratitude to the family for the blessings bestowed on us by Lenore. She will always be in our hearts."

According to her obituary, she is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Melissa, Anthony and Michael; her grandson, Sean; her mother, Carol Ringer; her siblings Alison Karppi and her husband, Brian, Maureen Wuestmann, George Ringer and his wife, Elizabeth, Carol Valkavich and her husband, Michael Maffaei, James Ringer and his wife, Tracy; and many neices, nephews and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, George Ringer.

Services were held on July 8 at the Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home in Bayport.