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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025
Vol. 36 No. 52
HERALD PERSON oF THE YEAR Anthony CAnCellieri
A lifetime of leadership Anthony Cancellieri's committment to community shines throughout village By Brian Kacharaba
Red and Blue teams battle it out at annual event. Page 6
Anthony Cancellieri’s name has long been synonymous with service in Rockville Centre. Whether in Village Hall, a hospital, or quietly behind the scenes, his work consistently reflects a belief that strong communities are built through trust, compassion and action. From guiding local government to helping transform South Shore healthcare, Cancellieri has devoted his career to improving the lives of those around him. A former NYPD lieutenant, Rockville Centre village administrator and chief deputy Nassau County executive, verything Cancellieri has spent his professional he life navigating government, policy, and does is very public safety — always with people at the center of his decisions. thoughtful and In recent years, his leadership as coconsiderate. chairman of the board at Mount Sinai South Nassau has helped transform the hospital into a regional medical center, DaNa SaNNEMaN RVC Blue Speaks bringing advanced, life-saving care closer to home for thousands of Rock- board member ville Centre families. At the same time, his philanthropic work — most notably co-founding RVC Blue Speaks with his wife, Mary Lou — has made a lasting impact on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families across Long Island. And it is for that lifetime of service — to healthcare, public life, and the village — that Cancellieri has been selected as the 2025 Rockville Centre Herald Person of the Year. Cancellieri’s path to community leadership began in law enforcement and government, where he developed a reputation as a steady, thoughtful problem-solver. After serving with the NYPD, he went on to hold senior roles in New York City government, including deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance and assistant commissioner of NYC Parks and Recreation. He later became village administrator of Rockville Centre under then-Mayor Eugene J. Murray, a role that placed him at the heart of village operations and cemented his deep connection to the community. That commitment was carried forward when he was named
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Library event focuses on "Unsung Heroes." Page 14
Turkey Day Challenge boosts health and spirit. Page 20
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chief deputy county executive under Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, overseeing major initiatives and helping guide county government through complex challenges. He later joined Park Strategies, LLC, as a vice president, further expanding his experience across the public and private sectors. Park Strategies was founded in 1999 by former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato to help organizations navigate public policy and business development. “He’s a fantastic, caring person,” D’Amato said. “He loves his community, he does everything he can to help, he’s an activist at the local hospital, he works his tail off for South Nassau. There’s no one who cares more for the people around him than Anthony Cancellieri.” Yet those who know Cancellieri say his résumé only tells part of the story. “For more than 15 years, he’s been really very dedicated,” said Joe Calderone, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s senior vice president of corporate communications and development. “He’s got a lot of political and governmental and business experience as well as a really deep, deep well of contacts — and he’s used all of that to help advance improving healthcare on the South Shore, particularly at Mount Sinai South Nassau.” Continued on page 2 Tim Baker/Herald
Photo: Anthony Cancellieri and his wife, Mary Lou, co-founded RVC Blue Speaks to promote awareness and acceptance of people affected by autism.