Ralph Esposito, of Elmont, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency, was recognized for more than three decades of service to veterans and his community at General Needs’ second annual fundraising gala, according to a news release from the Long Island-based nonprofit.
The event, hosted at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck on June 20, raised $71,000 to provide homeless veterans with essential necessities such as underwear, footwear, housewares, bedding and personal care items, the news release said. More than 200 people attended the gala, which also honored Arnold T. Quaranta Jr., of the Ronkonkoma Rotary Club, for his long-standing humanitarian work.
Esposito, who served aboard the USS Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1964, has led the county’s Veterans Service Agency since 2014. The news release said his leadership has transformed veteran services through a commitment to equality and a practical approach informed by his own military experience.
“Through his collaborative leadership style and dedication to veteran equality, Ralph Esposito continues to make an indelible impact on the lives of Nassau County veterans and their families,” Susan Sherman, who co-founded General Needs in 2008 with her husband, Lonnie, wrote in the release. “General Needs is proud to recognize Ralph for his relentless advocacy, genuine compassion, and lifelong dedication to service.”
The evening began with the presentation of the colors, followed by the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band. Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule, a ranking member of the legislature’s veterans committee, sang the national anthem.
Quaranta, a Ronkonkoma resident, has been active in community service for more than 40 years, including his work with the Ronkonkoma Rotary Club, local veterans, and international projects. He received Rotary’s top honor, the “Service Above Self Award.”
“Arnie’s legacy is one of deep purpose, real humility, and wildly contagious generosity,” Lonnie Sherman said in the release. “General Needs is proud to honor him, not just for what he’s done, but for the way he does it: with grit, grace, and no-nonsense.”.
More information about the nonprofit is available at GeneralNeeds.org.
