Tom Faticone, a former soldier, lifelong Port Washington resident and community leader, died on July 22 at 88.
Faticone was born in Port Washington on July 2, 1934. He and his two sisters were brought up by their parents, Armato and Florence DeLaura Faticone.
He graduated in 1953 with the inaugural class of the brand-new Paul D. Schreiber High School. There, he earned a varsity football letter. His claim to fame was playing against Jim Brown, a renowned collegiate and professional running back who had played for the rival Manhasset.
After receiving his degree, he joined the U.S. Army. He worked as a quartermaster in France for two years.
In 1958, Faticone wed Barbara DeFeo, his high school sweetheart. Later, the two would become well known for their dedication to the community.
The couple lived in Port Washington where Thomas, Wendy, and Keith were born and raised. Later, he was a grandfather to Kyle, Joey and Thomas.
Faticone worked for the Town of North Hempstead’s Department of Highways for 34 years. He was serving as deputy highway maintenance supervisor at the time of his retirement in 1996.
On Sep. 17, 1980, he became a member of the John Michael Marino Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. He served on the Lodge’s Board as a trustee, master of ceremonies, sentinel, and commissioner of arbitration over the course of his nearly 42-year membership.
Also a devout Catholic, he attended Our Lady of Fatima Church and helped the Lodge gather goods for the church’s pantry.
He was extremely involved in all Lodge-related activities and fundraising, especially the annual Italian Festivals. He received the Member of the Year Award for his decades-long years of service to the Lodge as a volunteer.
In December 1977, Faticone became a member of the Knights of Columbus. They immediately saw that he was a leader committed to upholding the Order’s tenets. In a short period, they elected him Grand Knight in 1980–81 and again in 1991–92 and 2003–05. The New York State Deputy, Harold Granger, named him Vice Chairman for the Knights of Columbus Centennial Celebration.
From 1986 to 1988, Faticone served as a trustee for the Village of Manorhaven. He also served as the Great Neck/Port Washington Elks Lodge No. 1543’s past exalted ruler.
Both he and Barbara took part in charity events for the Port Washington/Manhasset Chapter of CancerCare for 55 years. He was a regular part of the Chapter’s Red Stocking Revue’s cast and committee.
The two were among those chosen as the first chairpeople and grand marshals of the Pride and Port Parade in 1997. The Rotary Club of Port Washington presented them with the Civics Award for Outstanding Community Service.
The couple received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Community Chest of Port Washington. The Town of North Hempstead gave them both the 43rd Annual Senior Recognition Award in 2015.
In addition to serving as a senior vice-commander for the VFW Henderson-Marino Post 1819, Faticone was a member of the Board of Directors for the Port Washington Senior Center.
In later years, Faticone was a valued employee at Alpers Hardware Store, where he recognized many local consumers.
On July 22, Faticone died peacefully. Barbara, his children and grandchildren, as well as his daughter-in-law Diane and son-in-law Andrew Whitely, survive him.
