Rockville Centre Water superintendent steps down

Village Water Superintendent Anthony Iannone has decided to step down by the end of March, and will take a job as superintendent of another water department, the Herald has learned.

Iannone, 49, a lifelong Lynbrook resident, who has been Rockville Centre’s water superintendent for the last eight years, did not name the company or municipality that hired him, or where it is located, but he did say that it was within Nassau County.

Iannone said his time working for the village was enjoyable, although time-consuming. “It was productive,” Iannone said about his tenure as superintendent. “The mayor, the board and everyone else were all very cooperative and great . . . I was able to forge a lot of friendships.”

Deputy Mayor Charles Joyce described Iannone as a “workaholic” who was reluctant to take vacations for fear that he would be needed for some terribly important assignment. Trustees portrayed Iannone as someone dedicated to the job, and they said he was steady in the position that often had him working seven days a week.

“He did great work,” said Trustee David Krasula, who said he was saddened by the news of Iannone’s departure. “We wish him the best.”

Before working as superintendent for the village, Iannone was superintendent of the Long Island American Water Company for 10 years. A 1979 graduate of Lynbrook High School, Iannone later earned an associate’s degree in science from SUNY Delhi, and attended Nassau Community College and the University of Buffalo where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Iannone said he hopes the new village water superintendent will be a “conscientious” worker.  Water mains tend to break unexpectedly, and Iannone cited the recent lightning strike of the St. Agnes Cathedral steeple, which led to a burst water main on Clinton Avenue during a raging snowstorm, as a prime example.

“He certainly went out with a bang with the lightning strike at St. Agnes” said Mayor Mary Bossart, who wished Iannone good luck as he moves on.

Iannone said he was contacted in January to interview for his new position, and said that taking the job offer was a difficult decision to make. When he received the offer last month, he told the board of trustees that he would step down by the end of March.

“It’s always a tough decision,” said Iannone, whose last day is March 25. “But everyone was supportive … I want to particularly thank and wish the best to the village board and residents.”

Said Village Trustee Ed Oppenheimer of the news about Anthony Iannone leaving his position:  “We’re going to have very big shoes to fill.”

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