Letter to the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Editor (March 12-18)

Posted

A thank you to Lynbrook officials, the community

To the Editor:

After our Tommy died, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from our neighbors, friends and the Lynbrook community. We wanted to extend our thanks to the community, Mayor Alan Beach, and the village board for their kindness and support.

We also wanted to thank the Lynbrook Police Department, the village’s Fire Department and its Department of Public Works for their assistance on the day of Tommy’s funeral at Our Lady of Peace. It was a tremendous send-off for him from a community that he loved serving.

To Our Lady of Peace Church and school, which has been a part of our family for more than 50 years, thank you. We grew up on Fowler Avenue, and the priests and sisters were our neighbors, and the schoolyard was our playground. The church has been with us through all phases of our lives, and we are grateful to be a part of this wonderful parish.

We would also like to thank Principal Joseph Rainis and the Lynbrook High School staff, teachers, coaches and students. They have provided Tommy’s son TJ a safe and caring environment during this difficult time. We were so impressed by the young men and women, along with their parents, teachers and coaches, who attended the wake. All supported TJ, and we appreciate their kindness.

We are thankful to live in a community with a Chamber of Commerce and storekeepers who are generous and want to be involved with the residents, many of whom attended the wake. We have known them for many years and appreciate their constant presence and hospitality in our community.

Our family also appreciates John Ferrante and Michael Grant, along with the entire staff of Flinch and Bruns Funeral Home. They provide a service to our community with grace and compassion. From our first call to Ferrante, he was there for us and guided us through the difficulties of this sad journey. It is not easy to accommodate such a large family, but Ferrante and Grant were always patient and respectful to each of us. Thank you for all you do for our community.

Tommy spent 32 years in law enforcement serving others and his community, first in the NYPD, then the Nassau County Police Department. He put the needs of others above his own. We would like to thank the active and retired police officers of New York City and Nassau, as well as the Baldwin Fire Department and state troopers, who were present at the wake and on the day of Tommy’s funeral. Their presence gave a level of comfort to our family and helped to honor the commitment Tommy had displayed throughout his life. Thank you all for your service to our communities and residents.

Last, to all our neighbors and friends on Fowler Avenue and throughout Lynbrook, thank you for your sympathy and kind words. Please continue to remember us and Tommy in your prayers.

The Hughes Family, Lynbrook