Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announces that Richard Begandy is Nassau County’s 2017 Senior Citizen “Man of the Year.” Richard was presented an award at the 43rd 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 300 residents in attendance at this special event.
“I congratulate Richard as Nassau County’s 2017 Senior Citizen ‘Man of the Year’,” said County Executive Mangano. “Richard is most deserving of this award for his community service to residents, our nations heroes and for his service and dedication to our armed forces.”
Richard was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Rochester, NY, and moved to Long Island in 1966. He has been a resident of Massapequa Park since 1984. He served in the United States Navy 1954 – 1958. His advice to others is “Get involved with your community!” and “We can all make a difference in our community and/or by helping our veterans.” He has followed his own advice by always striving to do everything that can be done for the community, the VFW and our military, veterans and their families.
Richard is involved in many organizations including VFW Post 7763, Massapequa Park, where he was the Commander from June 2004 – June 2016; Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Advisory Board, Massapequa Park Planning Commission 2010-2013; U.S. Marine Corps. 1st Division Association; and Vice President of Massapequa Cares.
Richard, deservedly so, has received numerous awards and honors: Named Veteran of the Year by the Massapequa Park Republican Club in 2010, New York State Senior Citizen of the Year representing Nassau County in Albany, and Outstanding Service Award from Canine Companions as Korean War Veteran of the Year.
Richard participates in the bi-annual Veterans Stand Down for our homeless veterans. He continually promotes Americanism and awareness of our active military and veterans by visiting and partaking in many of the ceremonies conducted by our community’s schools. He educates local Scouts on American flag etiquette and history. His greatest reward is knowing he has helped our youth by instilling pride in our country, appreciation for our freedoms, and an understanding of the need to care for all veterans.