__________________ SEAFORD _________________
HERALD
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DECEMBER 29, 2022 - JANUARY 4, 2023
What’s What’s
He’s committed to preservation
INSIDE INSIDE
By Kepherd Daniel
F Wantagh school board leader opens pizzeria.
Page 6
Seaford clubs return inperson.
Page 9
A lifelong dream fulfilled.
Vol. 71 No. 1
Page 15
For BrEAKING NEWS go to liherald.com
rank Allaire, 71, was born in Brooklyn and moved to Seaford with his family at age 4. Over the years he has immersed himself in community life, working with the Nassau County Police Department for more than 30 years and the Seaford Fire Department for more than 40. But Allaire has probably made his greatest mark with his commitment to the Seaford Historical Society, serving as its vice president for the past 10 years and dedicating himself to revitalizing its museum. In recognition of his efforts to preserve the community’s history, the Herald is proud to name Allaire its 2022 Person of the Year. He joined the historical society as treasurer in 2005, with the support and encouragement of its president at the time, Bill Powell. After Powell died, his successor, Charles Wroblewski, encouraged Allaire to become vice president. “The historical society building was closed, and a number of us were involved in revitalizing and re-establishing the Seaford Historical Society, and Frank was one of the ones involved in doing that,” Wroblewski recalled. “He and his wife have always volunteered for everything. His wife has been handling a lot of our newsletters, and he has basically been in charge of handling the membership list. “When the building was being redone and the insides were being torn down,” Wroblewski added, “he was the one who was dealing with all the contractors. We’ve had various members over the years who’ve really been dedicated, and he’s been there every time, and has been an integral part in making the society what it is today.” It’s something of a surprise, then, to learn that Allaire isn’t a history buff. “I’m not one that researches a lot,” he said. “I leave that to other people. When you join, you become part of everything and it gets to you — the camaraderie of working with everybody. It was the same with the Fire Department and the Police Department. I’m addicted to it.” Allaire is also the Seaford Historical Museum’s building manager, and oversaw its most recent series of renovations and structural repairs. He has served as project manager, and as liaison to various construction firms. The museum com-
HERALD PERSON oF THE YEAR
FranK allaire Without him overseeing these projects, we would not have been as successful as we were.
Judy Bongiovi president, Seaford Historical Society pleted a major restoration project two months ago, redoing its attic and basement. Now funds will need to be raised to pay it off. The building has stood since 1893, and Allaire’s work has been crucial in making it a vibrant structure today. “Without him overseeing these projects, we would not have been as successful as we were,” Judy Bongiovi, the current historical society
president, said. “Frank is an integral part of our society,” Bongiovi added. “He has been for years. He’s been a member of the society longer than I have, and throughout my presidency, since 2015, he has been a right-hand man. He is not only active in our group, but also he’s active in so many ways in the community. And that kind of activism is what makes Seaford so special.” When he was growing up, Allaire, the oldest of nine siblings, attended the Jackson Avenue School, Manor Elementary School and St. William the Abbot Catholic School. Then he switched to parochial school in Brooklyn, spending his first two years of high school at Brooklyn Prep before transferring to St. John’s Prep. After high school, he served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973 before joining his family’s plumbing and heating business, Byrne & Son. He attended Farmingdale College at night, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and after eight years in the family business, he tried his hand at law enforcement. Sworn into the Nassau County Police Department in 1983, he was assigned to the 1st Precinct. He went on to become a detective in 1989, and spent a total of 31 years in the NCPD. Allaire joined the Seaford Fire Department in 1978, and rose through the ranks to lieutenant and captain over the course of 44 years. He stepped down as fire commissioner last year after 20 years in that position. He is president of the Association of Former Detectives, a member of Seaford American Legion Post 1132 and president of the Fire Department’s benevolent association. In 2016, the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee presented him with a Patriot Award. He is also a cofounder, a former treasurer and a lifetime member of the Nassau County DetecContinued on page 2 Kepherd Daniel/Herald
Frank Allaire, the Herald's Person of the Year, has offered a helping hand in Seaford for many years.