“I would have to say, because of [Steven’s] injury, it gave him the opportunity, by meeting different people, to be able to be a voice and to be able to go over to Northern Ireland and share [his story],” Patti said of her husband’s remarkable recovery. “To me, being his wife, living with him is just so powerful.”

Steven attributed both his triumph over his injuries and his wife’s ability as mayor to help people in need, whether on a village, county or state level — she is currently pushing the Long Island Rail Road to restore weekend service on the West Hempstead branch — to their Irish heritage: They have learned to overcome obstacles and make the most of life.

“That’s the story of so many Irish immigrants, whether they died building cities or in foreign wars, or sowed the fruit of their sacrifices and labor,” said Steven, who celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this year as another milestone in his new life after nearly dying 28 years ago. “It’s really not about the party or the celebration riots — it’s remembering what they did, those people who came before us.”