If you attended Sachem board of education meetings over the last three decades you undoubtably know Sal Nicosia.
“Did you get my book?” he would say. “Did I tell you about my book?”
If you didn’t know Nicosia, you’d think he was a little crazy, but it would take just one conversation, or listening to him talk once to understand what he was all about, which was working collaboratively to empower children.
His book, appropriately titled “Empowering Our Children,” is about infusing civics into the classroom for all students. His personal thesis was to train kids to participate effectively in the political process so they can become impactful, knowledgeable and active adults. Originally written in 1997 he spoke about that book until the day he died last week at the age of 93.
Nicosia, like many from his generation, had an active life. The Sachem community resident was a U.S. veteran, educator, author, public official and community advocate.
The son of Italian immigrants, he served in the U.S. Air Force and later earned his degree from City College of New York. He began his career as a social studies teacher in Patchogue-Medford in 1956 and served for more than 30 years in the district. For his work in the district, he was inducted to the Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame in 2019.
In 1962 he was named as the first president of the Patchogue-Medford Teachers’ Association. Later he created the first breakfast program in Patchogue-Medford schools, and helped establish the New York State Child Protection Law in 1973.
By the 1970s, Nicosia grew active in local government. He was appointed to the Child Protection Planning Committee by Suffolk County Executive John V.N. Klein. He also had a failed bid for U.S. Congress in 1976 but in the decades later worked as a legislative aide for many local politicians.
“The world has lost an incredibly smart, caring, giving man, and I have lost a friend and mentor,” said Dean Murray, a local community advocate and recent New York State Assemblyman. “After 93 years of making this world a better place, Sal Nicosia has joined Our Lord in heaven. Sal spent his life loving and protecting our country and teaching our younger generations the importance of learning, knowing and getting involved in government/politics. Sal led by example and showed everyone the importance of getting educated and getting involved. You will most certainly be missed my friend.”
New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith also wrote a touching tribute to Nicosia on Facebook.
“Sal, you have passed the torch, and there are many of us who will continue your life’s mission to promote civics education in our schools and empower children to be more effective in the political process,” said Smith. “As a man of deep faith and good will, I know you are resting peacefully in heaven. Our community loves you and already misses you. Until we meet again, my friend. As you would always end every one of our phone calls: ‘God Bless you!’”
On Facebook, the Sachem PTA Council wrote, “Sal Nicosia was an amazing person. Full of knowledge and compassion. He cared greatly for all in our community, especially our children. He was always willing to help. Always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He was a strong supporter of the PTA and our mission. He will be greatly missed. Sachem PTA Council extends their condolences to his family and friends. We will miss you Sal.”
Services will be held at Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home on Sunday, September 6 from 4-8 p.m. and there will be a prayer service on Monday, September 7 at 10 a.m.