Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced that Gilbert M. Colombo is Nassau County’s 2015 Senior Citizen “Man of the Year.” Mr. Colombo was presented an award at the 41st Annual May Conference in Observance of Older Americans Month on May 29th at the Milleridge Inn Cottage. The Nassau County Office for the Aging hosted 400 residents in attendance at this special event.
“It is my distinct honor Mr. Colombo as Nassau County’s 2015 Senior Citizen ‘Man of the Year’,” said County Executive Mangano. “His dedication to public service, and to helping veterans and others in need makes him truly deserving of the recognition accorded to him.”
Mr. Colombo was born in New York City, married and moved with his wife and four daughters to Old Westbury. He immediately became engaged in public service by working for the village, holding several public offices, including Mayor of Old Westbury for 10 years.
Mr. Colombo also managed his father’s envelope supply business for many years. Upon his retirement at the age of 76, he began volunteering at his church’s Food Pantry and Visitation program, visiting the homebound and needy, and helping them to access services. Mr. Colombo works with veterans, arranging transportation to VA Medical Centers, and spending a few days a month delivering Meals on Wheels for the Visiting Nurse Association when the regular drivers are not available.
Mr. Colombo is a member of the Nassau County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and an amateur mobile radio enthusiast. He logged in many hours on the radio assisting first responders during Superstorm Sandy. Mr. Colombo derives his greatest satisfaction from seeing the happiness in the faces of those that he assists and knowing that their lives are made easier because of the work he has done.