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Compiled by: Hon. Chris J. Coschignano, Executive Committeeman
There was a time in the early 50's, before Syosset became a booming town when its services were provided by our neighboring Villages of Oyster Bay and Hicksville.
The Oyster Bay Republican Club was the main Republican Club which serviced the areas of Oyster Bay, Bayville, East Norwich, Jericho, Syosset and Woodbury.
In 1954 the Honorable Howard T. Hogan was the Town Chairman of the Oyster Bay Republican Committee. He directed that each hamlet establish its individual identity through its own political Club. Carmen V. Cataliotti was serving as 1st Vice President and Benjamin Zipper was 2nd Vice President of the Oyster Bay Republican Club. They were given the assignment of organizing the Syosset Republican Club. Organizational meetings were held at the law office of Ben Zipper, 221 Berry Hill Road, Syosset. There existed a nucleus of Syosset residents numbering 100 or more, all of whom were members of the Oyster Bay Republican Club. On March 22, 1954, the Syosset Republican Club received its charter from Albany.
The first meeting of the Syosset Republican Club was held on Monday, March 15, 1954, at the Paddock Inn on Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, New York, which is now the O.T.B. office. At that meeting the room was crowded, wall-to-wall people. There was much interest shown among the many new residents who were curious about the Town and what makes it tick. The Honorable Lewis Waters, Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay (who lived in Syosset), presided as Chairman of the first meeting. The Honorable Christian T. Carl, who was Executive Leader, reported as Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the slate of officers and Carmen V. Cataliotti was elected as the first President of the Syosset Republican Club. Meetings for the first year, in addition to the Paddock Inn, were held at the Old Firehouse on Muttontown Road, and the Viennese Coach.
The first club social was a dance with the theme “Get to Know Your Neighbor.” This affair was held at the Old Farmhouse on Muttontown Road. Vincent Cassidy was the Chairman. A senior member of our Club remembered that Vince submitted his report of the affair on a paper plate. The dance was a tremendous success. South Woods was the first big development in Syosset.
The first Annual Outing and Field Day was held on Saturday, September 4, 1954. This was held at the Franklin B. Lord Estate off Split Rock Road in Syosset. Everett Furman was the Chairman. This affair was enjoyed by many families from the communities of Syosset and Woodbury for several years.
Benjamin Zipper became President in 1955. Al Copeland and Jeanne Leather were Co-Chairmen of the first Club bulletin. Joe Yanuchi was Chairman of the First Lincoln Day Dinner Dance which was held at the Viennese Coach. The Honorable Leonard W. Hall, Chairman of the National Republican Committee, was the Speaker and Guest of Honor.
Robert Smith became President in 1956. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was held at the Mooring Restaurant in Cold Spring Harbor. Many years later fire destroyed the building but the landmark remains, the Town of Huntington dock. Mr. Folger of the Republican National Committee was the Guest Speaker. Mr. Folger was the Chairman in charge of raising funds throughout the United States for the re-election of President Eisenhower.
A Syosset Motorcade and Rally was held Saturday, November 3rd, 1956. On that evening a “Meet Your Candidate” and gala social was held at the Syosset Fire House, which included dancing and a buffet supper. Carmen Cataliotti was Chairman of this affair. Dignitaries who attended were: Hon. Steven B. Derounian and Hon. Stuyvesant Wainwright of the House of Representatives; State Senator William S. Hults; Assemblyman John Burns; Town Highway Superintendent Thomas R. Pynchon; Judge Paul Widlitz, and a host of other guests.
In 1957 William O’Keefe became President. The Club membership was steadily growing and reached 600 members. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was held at the Pine Hollow Country Club off Northern Boulevard in Oyster Bay Cove. Charles Hicks was Chairman and the Guest Speaker was the Honorable Howard T. Hogan, Justice of the Supreme Court. Benjamin Zipper of Syosset was appointed Town Councilman. Peter Schilling and John Rogers Chaired the 4th Annual Outing and Field Day.
In 1958, Edward Poulos became President. The highlight of that year was the fabulous float that was entered in the Theodore Roosevelt Centennial Parade on July 4th. The contest was sponsored by the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce. Many hours were spent at the home of Virgilio Principe, where the float was constructed. John Burke suggested a Safari theme “T.R. The Hunter.” It was Mina Gernert’s idea that the Victoria Falls be added. This took the ingenuity of Charles Hicks who engineered the continual flowing of water over the falls. As the float proceeded throughout the Hamlet of Oyster Bay, Mina Gernert and Alice O’Hagan led the parade carrying the Club’s banner. Poised topside looking over the terrain and portraying T.R., with distinction and authenticity, was John F. Coffey. Others who contributed to this spectacular event were: Peter Schilling, Bob Smith, Rod MacKenzie, George Wood, Frank Demproff, Ed and Vivian Poulos. The great moment arrived when the judges announced we had won First Prize against stiff competition such as Grumman and Republic Aviation Companies, to mention a few. As Chairman of this project, Carmen Cataliotti accepted the victory cup on behalf of the officers and members of the Syosset Republican Club.
In 1959 Peter Schilling became President. That year Benjamin Zipper was appointed Judge of the District Court. The Club initiated the Syosset Republican Club Citizenship Educational Award, to be awarded to a Syosset High School Senior during graduation. Chairman of the Christmas Party, Dorothy Hicks made arrangements at the Lamp Post Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike, which is now known as Manero’s. A steak supper for $3.75 was served at midnight. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was Chaired by Charles F. Hicks and was attended by more than 520 guests.
In 1960 Joseph A. Yanuchi became President, William “Bud” O’Keefe was designated to serve as Town Clerk to complete Henry Curran’s unexpired term. Again the Club contributed a Citizenship Educational Award to a Syosset High School Senior at graduation. Congressman John V. Lindsay was the speaker for the Lincoln Day Dinner Dance which was held at the Pine Hollow Country Club on Saturday, February 13, 1960. John Coffey, Chairman, reported a sell out of 500 tickets two weeks before the affair.
In 1961 George Pratt became President. Meetings were held at the Four Season’s Country Club, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
In 1962 Charles Hicks became President. There was a change in By-Laws to permit the election of officers and board of directors during the month of March and installations of said officers in April.
In 1963 Frank Demproff became President. The Club held a “G.O.P. Splash Party.” This affair was Chaired by Bob Smith, Orie Gernert and Carmen Cataliotti. More than 1000 people attended the Splash Party at the Four Seasons Country Club. Candidates to be honored were Benjamin Zipper, who was running for District Court Judge; Bud O’Keefe for Town Clerk and Edward Poulos for Town Councilman. John Conroy Chaired the Lincoln Day Dinner Dance that year.
In 1964 John Coffey became President. On November 18, 1964, a vote was taken to change the name from Syosset Republican Club to Syosset-Woodbury Republican Club, Inc. It was John Alfonio’s suggestion that the Club’s name be officially changed. The first Youth Group was organized. Lois Manning and Frank Dumproff were Co-Chairmen of this group. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was held at the Four Seasons Country Club and Governor Raymond Keyser of Vermont was the principal speaker.
In 1965 Frank Neglia became President. John Burke was the Executive Committeeman. Frank Giorgio Chaired a most successful Summer Festival Party at the Woodbury Country Club. The grand opening of permanent headquarters at the Lincoln Building, 40 Underhill Boulevard, Syosset, took place that year. This was accomplished through the efforts of James DeJesu, Angelo Coschignano, John Conroy and John Burke. Bernie Greco Chaired the Lincoln Day Diner Dance and the Honorable Jacob Javits was the Guest Speaker.
In 1966 Edward Margolin became President. A Spring luncheon, Chaired by C. Patricia Meyers, was a smashing hit. It was held at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing. The Honorable John Davis Lodge, former ambassador, was the Guest Speaker. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was held at the Four Seasons Country Club. The guest speaker was the Honorable Robert C. Morton, Congressman from Maryland. John Conroy became Co-Executive Committeeman that year.
In 1967 Bernard Greco became President. A revision of the Club’s By-Laws were drawn up and co-authored by Edward Margolin and Bernard Greco. C. Patricia Meyers again Chaired the Spring Luncheon at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing. Deputy Mayor Robert Price was speaker.
In 1968 William Parry became President. The Club’s first September cocktail party was held at the Villa Victor Restaurant. Peter Gerbosi Chaired this affair.
In 1969 Peter Gerbosi became President. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance continued at the Four Seasons. Angelo Coschignano Chaired the affair. Norman Nichols Chaired “Salute the Candidate Cocktail Party.” Marjorie Dunn directed “Work for Burke” luncheons.
In 1970 C. Patricia Meyers became President. Permanent Club headquarters moved from the Lincoln Building to 116 Jackson Avenue. Financially, the Club’s treasury was on very sound basis. Carmen Cataliotti was elected Executive Committeeman.
In 1971 Joseph Cohen became President. The Annual National Young Republican Leadership Conference was established in Washington, D.C. The Club sent its first representative. This conference is most important since it helps prepare future Republican leaders of our nation.
In 1972 Angelo Padavano became President. The Lincoln Day Dinner Dance was held at the Four Seasons Country Club. Peter Gerbosi Chaired this affair and the Honorable Angelo Roncallo was Guest Speaker.
From 1973 through 1979 the following were Presidents of the Club: James DeJesu, Sam Raffa, Joseph Olivari, Gerard Klinger, Everett Boccafola, E. Allen Riebesehl and Owen B. Walsh.
The Lincoln Day Award was instituted in 1973 for Community Services. The following have
been the recipients of the Annual Lincoln Day Dinner Dance since its inception: Honorable John W. Burke 1973
Honorable Joseph M. Margiotta 1974
Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. 1975
Honorable Ralph J. Marino 1976
Dr. Jack W. McElwain 1977
Honorable Francis Purcell 1978
Honorable Norman F. Lent 1979
Carmen V. Cataliotti 1980
James M. Shuart 1981
Honorable Joseph Colby 1982
Honorable Ann R. Ocker 1983
Honorable James E. Picken 1984
Honorable Joseph N. Mondello 1985
Honorable Harold W. McConnell 1986
Honorable Thomas S. Gulotta 1987
Honorable Angelo A. Delligatti 1988
Honorable Samuel J. Rozzi 1989
Honorable Carl L. Marcellino
and Ernest T. Bartol 1990
Honorable C. Raymond Radigan 1991
Honorable Alfonse D’Amato 1992
William Kupec 1993
Honorable Fred Parola 1994
Honorable Angelo Roncallo 1995 Police Commissioner Donald Kane 1996
Honorable Donna Ferrara 1997
Honorable Peter T. King 1998
Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman 1999
Honorable John Venditto 2000
Honorable Raymond F. Harrington 2001
John C. De Leonardis 2002
Honorable Joseph D. Muscarella 2003
Club Presidents through the 1980s and into the 1990s were as follows: Owen B. Walsh 1980
Hugh Mahoney 1981
Carl L. Marcellino 1982
Joanna Seybert 1983
Thomas Duncan 1984
Thomas Duncan 1985
John Principe 1986
Gertrude Baumgaertner 1987
Dan Ebbin 1988
Jack Gioeli 1989
Jack Gioeli 1990
Ronald Kadin 1991
Ronald Kadin 1992
John Cleary 1993
John Cleary 1994
John Cleary 1995
James Panciroli 1996
James Panciroli 1997
Brian A. Vander Veer 1998
Brian A. Vander Veer 1999
Brian A. Vander Veer 2000
Lisa Lo Curto 2001
Lisa Lo Curto 2002
Lisa Lo Curto 2003
John J. (Sean) Jordan, III 2004
Lincoln Day Dinner Chairpersons through the 1980’s, 1990’s and into the new millennium were as follows: Jack Gioeli 1987
Jack Gioeli 1988
Phyllis Newbert 1989
Ronald Kadin 1990
No Event 1991
Edward Robinson 1992
Debra Levine 1993
Lewis Campanella 1994
Thomas V. Pantelis 1995
James Panciroli 1996
Brian A. Vander Veer 1997
Chris J. Coschignano 1998
Marilyn Olshansky 1999
Howard Freedman 2000
Lisa Lo Curto 2001
Karen J. Underwood 2002
Joseph J. Licata 2003
Howard Freedman 2004
Throughout the history of our organization the following individuals have served the North Syosset-Woodbury Community as Executive Committeemen: Christian T. Carl 1954-1957
Thomas R. Pynchon 1957-1959
William B. O’Keefe 1959-1963 (Co-Leader)
Edward Poulos 1960-1963 (Co-Leader)
John W. Burke 1963-1969 (Co-Leader)
John M. Conroy 1964-1969 (Co-Leader)
Carmen V. Cataliotti 1969-1978
Ernest T. Bartol 1978-2003
Hon. Chris J. Coschignano 2003-Present
In or about 1990, the Syosset-Woodbury Republican Club split into two executive areas due to its large membership. Thus, the North Syosset-Woodbury Republican Club and the South Syosset-Woodbury Republican Club were formed and the dividing line became Jericho Turnpike. Hon. Carl L. Marcellino was the Executive Committeeman in the South, and Ernest T. Bartol was the Executive Committeeman in the North.
In 2001, Chris J. Coschignano, who was then First Vice President of the North Syosset-Woodbury Republican Club, received the nomination to run for Town of Oyster Bay Councilman, and was elected on November 6, 2001. Councilman Coschignano became the Executive Committeeman of the North Syosset-Woodbury Republican Committee on January 8, 2003.
In 2003, the Executive Area was expanded to include the Incorporated Village of Muttontown, most of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, part of the Incorporated Village of Old Westbury and the northwestern part of the Hamlet of Jericho.
On March 22, 2004, the Committee will mark its 50th Anniversary.
Respectfully submitted, HON. CHRIS J. COSCHIGNANO
Executive Committeeman
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