_______ Lynbrook/east rockaway ______ Burdened by High Taxes? HOME IMPROVEM
HERALD
Trust Us to ! Lighten Your Load
DEADLINE MARCH 2ND
SPRING SPECIAL
learning about hydroponics
Ma
DORMERS • EXTENS IONS COMPLETE HOME RE NOVATION SPECIALISTS
Page 7
l Hablamos Españo
ion Group, LLC
ty Tax Reduct idenbaum Proper
Roofing & Siding Call Now! (917) 418 - 8836
Also serving Bay Park
X REDUCTION PROPERTY TA THE LEADER IN
Apply online at aldnote mptrg.com/her 266 5.1 71 6. 51 or call
ENT INC.
Vol. 33 No. 6
FEBRUARY 5 - 11, 2026
Licensed & Insured
$1.00
OBITUARY
First Adelphi nursing college dean dies at 71 Coonan, who had joined the Fire Department at 18, remained an active member for Lynbrook native Patrick 53 years, and served as department chief from 1993 to 1997. Coonan, the inaugural dean of “He was loving, a force of Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health, life,” Anita said. “He’d walk in died on Jan. 24, at age 71. He a room and it would light up. was surrounded by his family, He was a great family man. His which had supported him since kids meant everything to him.” Coonan trained paramedics he suffered a heart attack in 2017 that resulted in a brain as well nurses before he began his career in acainjury. Born on April 12, demia. He was a 1954, Coonan was part-time program raised in Lynbrook director at Columand attended Malbia University ver ne schools before becoming before ear ning a assistant dean at nursing degree the Columbia from Adelphi. He DAVID CooNAN School of Nursing. worked in the emer- Son Coonan earned a gency departments master’s in health of several hospitals, care administraeventually overseeing nursing tion from Long Island Universistaffs and taking on adminis- ty, and master’s and doctoral trative roles. degrees in education and nursHe met his future wife, Anita ing at Columbia’s Teachers ColVetere, at an event to support lege. the Lynbrook Fire Department, In 2004, he became the dean where Coonan and Anita’s of Adelphi’s School of Nursing. brother, Michael Vetere Jr., “That was his dream job,” his were both members. She, too, son, David, said. “He took was a student at Adelphi, and everything that he had learned they married on May 22, 1977.
By MADISoN GUSlER
mgusler@liherald.com
Lauren Chin/Herald photos
Honoring excellence in lynbrook The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Evening of Excellence dinner on Jan. 29 at the Coral House in Baldwin, honoring signficant contributions to Lynbrook by educators, first responders and businesses. Above, Amy Ezagui, left, Chris Skartsiaris and Fire Chief Scott Bien were recognized. At right, Chamber President Michela ArgentoSerra addressed the organization’s members and guests at the gala. Story, more photos, Page 3.
W
e all want to be people like him.
Continued on page 20