Former Patchogue Village Trustee Paul Felice Dies At 87

PATCHOGUE, NY — Former Patchogue Village trustee Paul Felice, a longtime community leader, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

The life-long Patchogue resident was described by Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Executive David Kennedy as a person "who made being involved in his community a priority and a passion."

Felice, the business owner of an automotive mechanic shop who was a past chamber of commerce member, served three terms on the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees in the 90s, Kennedy said. He later became an inspector for the village's Community Development Agency, and took immense pride for being involved with the restoration of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, according to Kennedy.

"It was there, on the steps of the balcony, he became engaged to his wife, Margaret," Kennedy wrote in an email to chamber members on Tuesday.

Felice was also an active member of the Patchogue Lions Club, and spent decades as a volunteer for the Patchogue Fire Department, eventually serving as Chief of Department there, Kennedy said, adding that he was later elected a commissioner of the fire district.

In 2012, Felice was recognized as Italian-American of the Year by the Greater Patchogue Foundation at the annual Italian Feast of St. Liberata.

"I had the honor and pleasure to know and work with Paul on many community endeavors and can attest to his positive, friendly, and caring demeanor," Kennedy said. "Few people could match Paul in his active love for Patchogue."

"Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Felice Family during this difficult time," he added.

Visitation services for Felice will be held at Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be said at St. Francis De Sales R.C. Church on May 1. The mass will start at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the St. Francis R. C. Cemetery in Patchogue.

A funeral repast luncheon will follow at The Oar Steak and Seafood House in Patchogue with "all who loved him" welcome to attend, according to Kennedy.

The Felice family's request for donations is pending and will be available at the services.

This story will be updated. Check back later.