The Town of Smithtown has officially launched a meaningful new tradition aimed at recognizing the outstanding efforts of its employees who go above and beyond in service to the community. At the Tuesday, July 15th Town Board meeting, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and members of the Town Council proudly honored Joseph Marchese as the first recipient of this monthly employee recognition initiative. Joseph Marchese was presented with the Town certificate before the Town Board, his parents Michael & Cecilia Marchese and Supervisor Tom Grimaldi.
Each month, the Town Board will begin the meeting by spotlighting an employee whose work and character have made a measurable difference in the lives of Smithtown residents. This initiative reflects the Town’s commitment to not only operational excellence, but also the importance of compassion, integrity, and leadership in public service.
“Behind the scenes of our day-to-day operations are incredible individuals whose dedication and kindness often go unnoticed. This is our opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on them—and express our gratitude on behalf of the residents of Smithtown… Joseph’s actions showed maturity, leadership, and genuine care for others. He’s made his family and this Town Board incredibly proud— and he’s set a shining example of what public service is all about.” – Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The inaugural honoree, Joseph Marchese, is a seasonal Parks Attendant stationed at Gibbs Pond Park. Though only a little over one month into his position with the Town, Joseph’s actions during a recent heat wave left a lasting impression on local residents. When a group of young boys stopped at the park and were unable to purchase drinks from the vending machines, Joseph didn’t hesitate—he took bottles of water from his own cooler and handed them out to the children to ensure they stayed safe in the extreme heat.
What made the act all the more impactful was the response from nearby children, who witnessed the moment and remarked to their parents about Joseph’s generosity. Their parents, touched by the gesture, took to social media and reached out to the Town to ensure Joseph’s kindness was acknowledged.
Joseph was joined at the ceremony by his supervisor, Tom Grimaldi, and his proud parents, including his mother Cecilia Marchese, who works at the Smithtown Senior Center and is beloved for her own selfless care for the community’s senior residents.
The Certificate of Recognition was presented to Joseph as a token of the Town’s deep appreciation and to celebrate the values of empathy, service, and civic responsibility that he embodies.
As this new tradition continues, the Town of Smithtown looks forward to highlighting many more unsung heroes whose everyday contributions strengthen and uplift the community.
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