'Heavy Hearts' For Death Of Former Massapequa Businesswoman

MASSAPEQUA, NY — A longtime resident and businesswoman in Massapequa has died. The death of Patricia Orzano was announced Friday by the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce "with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes."

Orzano was the owner of the 7-Eleven on Merrick Road in Massapequa. It was originally owned by her future husband Richard in 1970. He hired Patricia to work in the store. They started dating in 1981 and married in 1985. Richard died in 2015, the Massapequa Post reported.

"Patty was the archetype of a successful businesswoman and the perfect Chamber member," the group wrote in an email.

Last year, the Town of Oyster Bay honored her decades of service to the community.

"Giving back is a way of life for Patty," Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said at the time. "[She] dares to make a difference when naysayers tell her, 'it cannot be done.'"

Funeral arrangements are pending.