Lynbrook American Legion gets new commander

In August, Legionnaire Bill Marinaccio took over as the commander of Lynbrook’s American Legion Post 335, which he has been a member of since 2009.

Marinaccio was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and attended Boys High School.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the National Guard’s 106th Infantry, 42nd Rainbow Division. He later served with the U.S. Army’s II Corp.  He was on active duty and reserve duty from 1960 to 1966.

He began his career with New York Telephone, which is where he met his future wife, Marie, and they recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. They moved to Lynbrook in 1969, where they raised four daughters, and they now have seven grandchildren.

Marinaccio earned a bachelor’s degree in business and spent 32 years with New York Telephone. After retiring from the telephone company, he accepted positions for the next eight years at CW Post as an adjutant instructor, with Smith Barney, and then Bell Atlantic as a contractor. 

Over the years, Marinaccio participated in numerous post activities and events, and was previously elected and served as the post’s financial officer, membership chairman and more recently as the post adjutant. 

In 2018, he was nominated and received the prestigious Nassau County Legion’s “Legionnaire of the Year,” award for his “dedicated service to his post, community and the American Legion.” That same year he was inducted into Assemblyman Brian Curran’s Veterans “Hall of Fame.”

As the post’s membership chairman, Marinaccio has received the National Commander’s pin for his efforts in recruiting new veteran members over the past three years. Through his efforts this past year, Lynbrook Post 335 received the Legion Award for the highest percentage of paid membership in New York. Marinaccio is also a delegate to the Nassau County American Legion organization.

Besides his veteran activities, Marinaccio has also been involved in the Village of Lynbrook. He is a member of the Lynbrook Board of Zoning Appeals, Mayor’s Veteran’s Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club.

Marinaccio replaced Hank Speicher as commander after he held the position for 20 years.  Speicher will be honored by his fellow Legionnaires later this year.

Veterans wishing to join Lynbrook American Legion Post 335 should contact the Marinaccio at (516) 599-4877.