Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced that Patricia M. O’Brien is Nassau County’s 2016 Senior Citizen ‘Woman of the Year’. Patricia was presented an award at the 42nd Annual May Conference in Observance of Older Americans Month on May 19th at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale. The Nassau County Office for the Aging hosted 400 residents at this special event. Patricia represented Nassau County in Albany at the 2016 Senior Citizens Day Recognition Event Ceremony on May 10th.
“It is my distinct honor to present Patricia as Nassau County’s 2016 Senior Citizen ‘Woman of the Year’,” said County Executive Mangano. “Her dedication to homeless and struggling Long Island veterans, children of veterans and active duty military in war zones truly illustrates why Patricia is deserving of the recognition accorded to her.”
Patricia was born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle. She resides in Manhasset with her husband, Donald. They have one daughter, who lives with her family in New Hyde Park. Their grandchildren are their greatest joy.
Patricia taught math for 13 years in a Long Island high school, and then worked a 20 year challenging career with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City. She rose to the position of Vice President.
Patricia has been the foundation of several veteran projects, including raising funds for veterans returning home, sending packages to troops in Afghanistan, and transporting veterans to and from their homes in Nassau County to the Northport VA Medical Center. She has promoted youth involvement with veteran collections, promotes patriotism, teaches service, supports, and strengthens the community. She is selfless and humble. She never seeks praise and always highlights community members instead.
Patricia’s advice is “Just Do It!” Each of us has been blessed with gifts and talents that should be shared. She continues to share her gifts and talents helping veterans in so many ways that means so much to our troops abroad and those struggling at home.