_________________ FREEPORT _________________
HERALD Freeport retirees are honored
Indicted on cocaine charges
Pitbulls win championship
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Vol. 88 No. 30
JUlY 20 - 26, 2023
$1.00
Nonprofit shows how to promote reading By MoHAMED FARGHAlY mfarghaly@liherald.com
Courtesy Book Fairies
Book Fairies is dedicated to providing equal access to books and promoting literacy, aiming to inspire a love for reading and enhance opportunities for children in under-resourced communities.
Book Fairies, a nonprofit organization based in Freeport, celebrated a significant milestone on June 6, donating its 4 millionth book at Connolly Elementary School in Glen Cove. Fourth-grader Briahana Romero discovered a golden ticket inside the book, “Princess Pulverizer: Bad Moooove!” and had the opportunity to meet it renowned author, Nancy Krulik, who signed the book for her. Book Fairies is dedicated to collecting and distributing new and gently used books to underContinued on page 5
Community mourns loss of Thomas Dipolito By MoHAMED FARGHAlY mfarghaly@liherald.com
The community of Freeport is mourning the loss of Thomas J. Dipolito, a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving others. He died on July 10, at age 70. Born in Brooklyn in 1952, Dipolito grew up in Baldwin, where he developed a deep love for the water. He was captivated by the soothing melodies of the waves and the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean. He cherished his immediate family, especially his wife, Jeanne, whom he met at age 15. Their love story began in Bald-
ment to his excepwin and culminated tional skills as an in a joyous union on electrician and busiMay 10, 1975. Togethnessman. er they moved and Beyond his profesbuilt a life and family sional accomplishin Freeport, a town ments, Dipolito was that held a special deeply committed to place in his heart. his community. He Dipolito followed actively participated in his father’s footin the Freeport steps and joined his THoMAs DIPolITo Chamber of Combusiness, Trius Elecmerce, joining in tric, an electrical contracting company. When his 2009 and serving as treasurer up father died in 1992, Dipolito took until his death, ensuring the over and carried on the legacy financial aspects of the chamber with pride and dedication. Trius were well managed. He received Electric became synonymous the distinguished honor of Busiwith quality electrical services nessman of the Year in 2015. He in Freeport and beyond, a testa- was a strong and vocal supporter
of various local initiatives, including the Thank-A-Cop program and youth sports teams, always ready to donate his time, materials and expertise. “He was like everybody’s guy,” his daughter Julie Heinlein said. “He was whatever you needed him to be. He was your dad, he was your friend, he was your person forever for anybody
and everybody, and of course a mentor.” Chamber president Ben Jackson shared heartfelt memories and reflections on the late Dipolito, shedding light on his exceptional character and profound impact on the community. Having been close friends with Dipolito for many years, Continued on page 12