My deepest condolences to the family, friends and neighbors of the great and beloved Cedarhurst Mayor Andy Parise, who passed away at his Cedarhurst home this morning at age 90.
Mayor Parise was a giant and a good friend. He also may have been a Cedarhurst institution, but he was well-known and respected throughout - and outside of - the Five Towns.
As the Mayor of Cedarhurst for the past two decades, Mayor Parise's unwavering leadership was evident in the fact that he could be found behind his desk in his Cedarhurst Village Hall office virtually every day.
The high quality of life enjoyed by Village of Cedarhurst residents, and that which attracts tens of thousands of annual visitors to Cedarhurst's famed Central Avenue shopping district, are a direct result of Mayor Parise's personal involvement in every facet of the Village of Cedarhurst's day-to-day operations.
More than a hero to our community, Mayor Parise was also a hero to our nation, having fought for the U.S. Army during WW II during the Battle of the Bulge.
I always appreciated Mayor Parise's warm smile and wise words. I know I speak for multitudes of neighbors when I say he will be truly missed. He was a good friend, patriot and beloved community leader.