It is with deep sadness that the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) mourns the passing of Thomas P. McCarthy, a dedicated public servant, longtime Massapequa resident, and Commissioner of the Massapequa Water District, who passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 79.

Commissioner McCarthy devoted decades of his life to serving his country and community. A decorated Army Ranger who served in Vietnam, he went on to build a distinguished career in public safety and infrastructure. He served as a member of the FDNY’s Ladder 126 and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 15, contributing his expertise to critical water treatment systems, including projects at Kennedy Airport.

His commitment to public service continued at the local level, where he was an active member of the Massapequa Fire Department for 50 years, including 20 years as an elected Fire Commissioner and serving as Captain. In these roles, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of his neighbors.

In his later years, Commissioner McCarthy brought his extensive experience to the Massapequa Water District, where he worked diligently to help ensure the delivery of reliable drinking water to residents. His background in fire service and engineering made him a valuable asset to the District and its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve water quality and infrastructure.

Throughout his life, Commissioner McCarthy exemplified integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He was known for his generosity and commitment to giving back—whether through community involvement, organizing fundraisers, or regularly donating blood, a cause he strongly believed in.

A lifelong resident of Massapequa, Tom and his beloved wife Barbara shared over 50 years of marriage and raised their family in the community he so proudly served. In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by his children Christopher (Erin), Brian (Jacqueline), and Colleen Martella; and his nine cherished grandchildren.

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association extends its deepest condolences to the McCarthy family, his colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. Commissioner McCarthy’s legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten.

Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael E. Mazzola Named Board President

April 9, 2026, Carle Place, NY, USA – The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) announced the election of its 2026 board and board president during a recent association meeting, reaffirming its commitment to strong local leadership and responsible water stewardship across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

The newly elected 2026 NSWCA board includes President Michael E. Mazzola of the Massapequa Water District; 1^st Vice President Joseph Perry of the South Huntington Water District; 2^nd Vice President Scott A. Greco of the Bethpage Water District; Treasurer Michael J. Kosinski of the Roslyn Water District; and Secretary Rodney Caines of the Westbury Water District.

Commenting on the transition, President Mazzola recognized 2025 NSWCA president and current Bethpage Water District Commissioner John Coumatos, stating, “Commissioner Coumatos’ leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on our association and the communities we serve. His commitment to collaboration helped advance important conversations around water quality, infrastructure, and long-term planning. On behalf of the NSWCA, we thank Commissioner Coumatos for his service and continued contributions to the water industry.”

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA):

Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners elected by voters in each of the 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices, as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings and trainings on topics that include compliance, the environment, security, economics, conservation, sustainability, remediation, water treatment, and aquifer health, among other issues germane to water utilities.

Agency Contact

For more information about this news release or matters related to NSWCA, please contact:

Gary Cucchi, President (PMG Strategic, Inc.)
Office:              631.756.7160
Mobile:            516.721.3709
Email:              gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Wolff Photography

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) mourns the loss of former West Hempstead Water District Commissioner Joseph M. Marando, a lifelong public servant and more than 50-year resident of West Hempstead who dedicated his life to serving his community.

Joe proudly served on the Board of Water Commissioners for the West Hempstead Water District for 21 years, helping guide the District as the local dependable and reliable water service provider for residents. He was a long-time member of the NSWCA, as well as the American Water Works Association and Long Island Water Conference. Beyond his work with the Water District, Joe was deeply committed to public safety and community service through his longstanding involvement with the West Hempstead Fire Department. A life member and former Rescue Captain, he served as Captain of the Rescue Squad, President of VCE&H Company No. 1, and longtime Treasurer for the Board of Fire Commissioners. He was also an active member of the Westerners Drill Team and the department’s softball teams.

Outside of his public service, he enjoyed a successful career in information technology. Commissioner Marando will be most remembered for his dedication to the West Hempstead community and the many lives he touched through his decades of volunteer and public service. He is survived by his two children and his grandchildren.

It is with great sadness that the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association shares the passing of Dr. Sanford E. “Sandy” Klein, Commissioner of the Roslyn Water District, on January 16, 2026.

Dr. Klein served as a Commissioner of the Roslyn Water District since 2011 and was re-elected to a three-year term in the District election held in December. Throughout his service, Dr. Klein was deeply committed to the principles of local accountability, fiscal responsibility, and the delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to the community he served.

Dr. Klein’s dedication to public service and his thoughtful leadership left a lasting impact on the Roslyn Water District and the broader water community. He will be remembered for his commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations. He was widely respected by his fellow commissioners and colleagues throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Dr. Klein is survived by his wife, Barbara, their four daughters, and their grandchildren. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Klein’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from 21 local water districts who are members of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) were sworn into office on January 1, 2026, to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael E. Mazzola commented on the election results stating, “This election of a water commissioner within local districts exemplifies the strength of local representation where residents vote for a commissioner who resides in their respective community to manage and protect their drinking water and resources. It’s my pleasure to welcome all our new and returning members and colleagues to the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association for 2026.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from each District are as follows:

• Albertson Water District Commissioner Janell Giordano                  Re-elected
• Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black   Re-elected
• Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato                     Re-elected
• Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino     Re-elected
• Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese         Re-elected
• Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Robert Mirabile      Re-elected
• Glenwood Water District Commissioner Thomas Fiederlein             Newly elected
• Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin              Re-elected
• Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi                Re-elected
• Jericho Water District Commissioner Gregory Morley                       Newly elected
• Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown                  Re-elected
• Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna      Re-elected
• Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn     Re-elected
• Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III            Re-elected
• Plainview Water District Commissioner Michael Chad                      Re-elected
• Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain        Re-elected
• Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein                    Re-elected
• South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan      Re-elected
• South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna             Re-elected
• West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio   Re-elected
• Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green                        Re-elected

Photo credit and permission is courtesy of NSWCA and PMG Strategic

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA):

Organized and chartered in 1981 and celebrating its 45^th anniversary, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners elected by voters in each of 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings and trainings on topics that include compliance, the environment, security, economics, conservation, sustainability, remediation, water treatment and aquifer health, among other issues germane to water utilities.

For More Information: Agency Contact:

For more information about this or related NSWCA matters, contact:

Mr. Gary Cucchi
PMG Strategic, Inc.
Office:             631.756.7160
Mobile:            516.721.3709
Email:              gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com

At the November 2025 Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, members heard a presentation from Brian Hassan, Albertson Water District Commissioner and Senior Account Manager at PSEG, on PSEG’s relationship with local water service providers. Hassan discussed the benefits of working directly with assigned PSEG account managers, highlighted available commercial rate options, and cautioned districts about third-party energy resellers that often lock customers into long-term contracts with escalating costs. NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola thanked Hassan for the presentation, stating, “Brian provided important insight that helps our member districts better understand their energy options and avoid unnecessary costs, ultimately benefiting both operations and ratepayers.”

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is proud to congratulate Locust Valley Water District Chairwoman Patricia (Mezeul) Peterson on her induction into the Long Island Business News (LIBN) Hall of Fame.

Pat is recognized not only for her steadfast commitment to protecting Long Island’s drinking water, but also for her distinguished career in municipal banking and her deep civic engagement. She has served in leadership roles with the the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the New York Bankers Association, and the Board of Governors of New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association. She is also an active member of numerous professional organizations across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including associations for school business officials, village clerks and treasurers, village officials, and fire districts. Pat currently serves as Executive Vice President/Director of Government Banking Flushing Bank.

Commissioner Peterson is a long-time member and former two-term president of the NSWCA. She currently serves as chair of the NSWCA legislation committee and contributes regularly on government affairs within water-related matters. Pat is also a member of the American Water Works Association and the Long Island Water Conference.

Congratulations to Pat on a crowning achievement, being recognized for her outstanding contributions to business and her community.

Patricia (Mezeul) Peterson (center) receives the 2025 Long Island Business News Hall of Fame Award during the ceremony held at Crest Hollow Country Club (Woodbury, NY – November 12, 2025).

On October 24, 2025, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) held its annual Drinking Water Symposium at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event brought together water commissioners who are members of the NSWCA, business managers and superintendents from each local water district, as well as professionals from water service providers across Long Island.  Local, state and federal elected officials were in attendance as well as regulators, utility leaders, department of health professionals, researchers, and consultants.

Topicality for the symposium included discussions on the growing concern of cybersecurity threats facing water systems, the importance of ecological restoration, and ongoing funding challenges confronting all water suppliers.

In his closing remarks, NSWCA Board President Michael E. Mazzola (Massapequa Water District Water Commissioner) urged continued cross-sector collaboration between water service providers and elected officials to protect Long Island’s sole-source aquifer.

NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola at the podium delivering the closing remarks during the 2025 LIWC Drinking Water Symposium at The Heritage Club (Bethpage, NY – October 24, 2025).

(Left to Right): Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola, South Farmingdale Water District Commissioners and NSWCA members Gary Brosnan, John Hirt and Ralph Atoria at the conclusion of the 2025 LIWC Drinking Water Symposium at The Heritage Club (Bethpage, NY – October 24, 2025).

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) hosted its annual Summer Networking Meeting and BBQ on September 15 at Hicksville Fire Department Station 3. Member Commissioners gathered with local and state elected officials, water superintendents and business managers to share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and priorities in safeguarding Long Island’s water supply. Guest speakers included Councilman Thomas P. Hand, Legislator Rose Walker, Senator Steven D. Rhoads, Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, as well as Town of Oyster Bay Commissioner of Public Works Richard Lenz and Deputy Supervisor Greg Garman. The session emphasized collaboration and continued partnership to ensure clean, reliable drinking water for future generations.

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