John Foley, the former Suffolk County legislator and father of New York State Sen. Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point), died at his Blue Point home Monday while surrounded by his family. He was 91.
The retired lawmaker was known for his commitment to education and healthcare, a mission that was memorialized when the county named the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility after him. The former high school teacher turned Democratic committeeman started his career as an elected official on the Bayport-Blue Point school board and later became a town board member before he was elected to the legislature, where he served for nearly two decades. He also was a member of the BOCES II board.
John J. Foley in his days as a Suffolk legislator.
Foley’s son Brian replaced him in 1993 before he became Brookhaven town supervisor and then was elected to the state senate last year.
“I would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern and support over the past month,” said Brian Foley said in a statement on Tuesday. He added that he is cancelling all public appearances while he grieves and will not be present for the senate session on Thursday.
“My father dedicated his life to public service, and I can think of no better tribute to him and his life than the wide variety of individuals who have reached out to me, my family, and my office to express their own feelings of loss. My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts and ask that you continue to honor my father’s legacy by seeking out ways we can improve the communities we live in.”
Viewing hours will be Thursday and Friday from 2-4:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Robertaccio Funeral Home, 85 Medford Ave, Patchogue. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Snow, 157 Blue Point Ave, Blue Point.
