New Hyde Park Dads Reflect on Father's Day

Fathers will be celebrated on Sunday for their roles in their families. In New Hyde Park, two dads reflected on their fathers and what they appreciate most about fatherhood.

For Legislator (R-New Hyde Park), this Father's Day he'll be "counting [his] blessings," of which Nicolello noted he has many. One of these blessings is his two children; his youngest, Patrick, will be graduating from the following weekend.

Nicolello said fatherhood is the biggest change in life and that the times with your kids are "some of the best times of your life."

He recalls some good times with his father, who currently lives in Pennsylvania, include being on vacations and being involved in sports.

Nicolello's advice to young people is to "always follow your dreams wherever they lead you. If you put in the time and effort, you might not wind up where you think you will, but you'll end up in a better place."

Richard DeMartino, a past Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce president and vice president at State Bank of Long Island, will be thinking about his father, Angelo, who passed away about 10 years ago. One of the things DeMartino most admired about his dad was that he made time for his two children on Father's Day. Angelo worked two jobs and often had work around the house to do; Father's Day was a cherished time to be together.

DeMartino enjoys spending time with his daughters, Denise and Jennifer, on Father's Day. The two in the past few years have had a competition of who could give the best present, which DeMartino appreciates because of the fun associated with the competition. Denise won one year with two tickets to a NASCAR race in the Poconos. DeMartino added that Jennifer often bakes and that this present is appreciated more than something that comes from a store.

Reflecting on his experiences with his father and his two daughters, DeMartino says families need to spend time with each other.

"Life is so short," he said.