The Town of Babylon Town Board proudly honored the life and legacy of Salvatore “Sal” Messina on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with a street renaming ceremony at the corner of N. Oak Street and Bethpage Road in Copiague.
Family members, friends, community leaders, and residents gathered to celebrate the lasting impact Messina made on the community through both his business success and his dedication to the people of Copiague.
Messina, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 76, was the longtime owner and founder of the beloved produce business “The Fruit Tree.” He opened the first location in Copiague in 1970 and transformed it from a modest storefront into one of the area’s most recognizable local businesses. Over the years, the business expanded to additional locations in Massapequa, Lindenhurst, and Florida.
Even after retiring and selling the business, Messina’s love for the produce industry and the community drew him back. In 2004, he reacquired the Copiague location and reopened it under the name “Sal’s Fruit Tree.”
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer reflected on Messina’s contributions during the ceremony.
“Sal Messina represented the very best of our community — hardworking, family-oriented, and deeply committed to the people of Copiague,” Schaffer said. “This street renaming ensures that his legacy and contributions will never be forgotten.”
The ceremony was attended by Messina’s wife, Angela, twin daughters Francesca and Arianna, and numerous supporters who came together to honor a man remembered not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his generosity and unwavering connection to the community.
Town officials described the renaming as a fitting tribute to a man whose work ethic and community pride helped shape Copiague for generations.
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