“Peter was a loving husband, father and most recently a doting grandfather,” Mangano continued. “My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Lois, his daughter Samantha and his entire family. Nassau County is a better place because of Peter’s leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed.”

He had been the Legislature’s presiding officer since the Republicans took over the majority in 2010. He will be succeeded on an interim basis by Norma Gonsalves, a Republican from East Meadow. According to Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), Gonsalves will most likely serve as presiding officer until the end of next year.