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Legislator Peter Schmitt Dies

Nassau County Legislative Majority Leader Peter Schmitt died Wednesday after suffering a heart attack, a spokeswoman for the Legislative Majority said.

Schmitt, 62, who had a health scare last year, had a heart attack in the office of County Executive Ed Mangano.

He was taken to a hospital, where he could not be revived, according to spokeswoman Christina Brennan. He died at 11:55 a.m.

“Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant," Mangano said. "My wife Linda and I lost a friend of over 20 years. Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt served the residents of Nassau County with great integrity and pride.  I had the privilege of serving closely with Peter in the Legislature since its creation in 1996, where he distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for the residents of the 12th Legislative District."

Schmitt was first elected to the County Legislature in 1995 and is serving his eighth term. He has been the presiding officer and Majority leader of the legislature since 2010 and served as deputy presiding officer from 1996 to 1999.

"I'm very sad," said Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna. "We lost a good and decent man," said Massapequa Park mayor James Altadonna.

Altadonna said he last saw Schmitt over the weekend at the Columbus Lodge Italian Street Festival.

"I've lost a friend both personally and professionally," he said. "My heart goes out to the people who worked with him," said Mayor Andrew Parise of Cedarhurst, who's known Schmitt for over 20 years.

"He was a very strong leader and knew government inside and out. He’ll be a hard guy to replace."

Schmitt leaves a wife and a daughter.

“Peter and I went to college," said Patrick Calabria, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Farmingdale State College,  who went to school with Schmitt at Hofstra and edited the school paper while Schmitt was in student government.

"He was a political science major and interested in government service back then,” Calabria said. “We rarely agreed but I always respected his passion and commitment to public service. He was a real student of political history.”
 
With reporting by Edward Robinson and Stephen Bronner

Grifhunter October 3, 2012 at 06:39 pm
Tough break for Nassau County. One of the few who had the guts to stand up to the "progressive" nonsense of the county Democrats. A lion who fought for the taxpaying people of Long Island, he will be sorely missed.
Paul Pyne October 3, 2012 at 06:55 pm
my condolences to his family,I am sorry to hear this.
CHRISTOPHER HELGY October 3, 2012 at 06:59 pm
PETE WAS A GOOD MAN REST IN PEACE PETE
Bill Alderman October 3, 2012 at 07:02 pm
It is truly a sad day in Nassau County. Sincere condolances to this family, close friends and co-workers.
John Rennhack October 3, 2012 at 07:40 pm
I never agreed with him politically and ran against him a couple of times. He was a dedicated public servant who cared about his community. My condolences to his wife Lois and daughter Samantha. And to his friends and extended family. He was far too young to pass.
Chris Wendt October 3, 2012 at 07:42 pm
Truly a man of passion and dedication to public service, to service to all of us in Nassau. He will be missed, both as a man and as a stalwart politicl force, second to none.
Carmela Soprano October 3, 2012 at 07:44 pm
I couldn't stand his politics, but as a gentleman, he had his heart in the right place. My deepest condolences to his family. This is truly a shock to read this afternoon.
pw native October 3, 2012 at 07:47 pm
My sincere condolances to his family. He was an amazing man.
Dorothy A Whalen October 3, 2012 at 08:07 pm
I am shocked, and very sorry to read this. I did not always agree with his ideas, but all in all, he was great for this county, and will be terribly missed. I can't think of anyone who could fill the bill right now, but I am sure that will be taken care of.... My condolences to his loved ones, a sad experience for the county Executive ~ and a big loss to the Nassau!
Ken October 3, 2012 at 08:17 pm
Mr. Schmitt did not half-step any proposal, any issue, any problem. He always went for the gusto, always trying to make inroads, even though he had to rediscover a new route at times.
He was a beliver, a fighter, and most of all, he was one of us. Bless his family and my condolences to his family. Pete will be missed.
Michael John Sullivan October 3, 2012 at 08:52 pm
Wishing the family the best in such a tough time.
Cathy October 3, 2012 at 08:57 pm
RIP Peter. What a shame too young. Very sad for his family & also for Nassau COunty
Anne Kors October 3, 2012 at 09:55 pm
Your leadership in the community for the people of Nassau County N.Y., speaks for itself. You were a genuine true leader, a guiding light and force to be reckoned with at times, in order to keep the issues focused on the needs of the people. Thank you for your committment, dedication and may God give you the peace and rest, you so desperately deserve after a lifetime of giving to the residents of this County --Thank You --
Cathy October 3, 2012 at 11:05 pm
What a sad day. My kids got to know Mr. Schmitt at their school. He would come for special events. Our condolences go out to his family.
Norm204 October 4, 2012 at 12:00 am
A Happy Warrior. Rest In Peace
Jack coyote October 4, 2012 at 01:03 am
Peter was a voice for responsible government and a dedicated public servant. While most politicians today are political hacks with more ambition than brains, Peter Schmitt always demonstrated his mastery of the important issues facing Nassau County in a clear, no nonsense manner. Very sad, and condolences to the family. We would run into him at Sergio's from time to time and he was always gracious.
Gary Talkofsky October 4, 2012 at 02:36 am
Rest in Peace Mr Schmitt, I never forget you because I had to update and scan your office Pcs.
walter smolen October 4, 2012 at 12:53 pm
im saddened by this news, dear peter , rip...
Massa October 4, 2012 at 02:10 pm
Rip Peter Schmitt, a good man will be missed in our community.
Diane Jehle Schellderfer October 4, 2012 at 05:14 pm
My condolences to Peter's family and the Massapequa's. He was a good man and cared about his community. My Mother, Eileen Jehle (recently deceased) was very fond of Peter and I'm sure will be waiving a flag for Peter up there in heaven!
Jeannie Dionisio October 4, 2012 at 06:05 pm
R.I.P. Peter Schmitt ,our sympathies to your entire family. You will be sorely missed .
Nassau County can't even imagine his loss ! I will always remember his sense of humor and his smile.
KEN SUSSMAN October 4, 2012 at 07:01 pm
he and his wife lois were my classmates at hofstra university.His politics and that of his party always reminded me of the big bully and the little guy...there was very little room for compromise with the democrats BUIT TO LOIS AND HIS DAUGHTER I HAVE NOTHING BUT SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Lorenzo Gabudra October 5, 2012 at 12:50 pm
I met Peter after voting at Grace Day School. He was passionate about his party and his constituency. After our 2 minute chat, I walked away smiling by his banter and knowing that the people of Massapequa were taken care of. Peter stood up for what he believed without equivocation - - and called it down-the-middle. He will be impossible to fill his void in the Legislature. God rest his soul and bring peace to his family.

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