Carl Marcellino, stalwart of NYS Senate for 24 years, dies at 83

Former Sen. Carl Marcellino, a stalwart of the  State Senate for 24 years, died on Wednesday at age 83, his son said.

Marcellino began his career as a Queens high school teacher and administrator who raised his family in Syosset. He served as a Syosset school board member, Oyster Bay town clerk and in Senate District 5, which spanned from Syosset to East Northport, from 1995 to 2018.

He died of congestive heart failure on Wednesday morning at his home in Syosset, according to his son, Carl Philip Marcellino, of New York City.

In the Senate, Marcellino introduced more than 100 laws, including water and environmental protection bills, and passed the nation’s first ban on handheld cellphones while driving, his son said. He served as chair of the Senate Education and Environmental Conservation committees.

His son said Marcellino’s private life mimicked his public career, where he was rooted in his convictions as a teacher and a fierce debater.

"He was always teaching, thoughtful and principled. He knew there was a right way and wrong way to do things. He was always stable and always there," his son said.

Born Carl Louis Marcellino in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine microbiology from NYU and a professional diploma in administration and supervision from St. John's University.

He met the woman who became his wife, Patricia, while they were teachers at Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, Queens. Over his 20-year career at the school, he taught marine biology, served as a dean and assistant principal. The couple moved to Syosset to raise their two children while Marcellino commuted to the city.

Marcellino was elected Oyster Bay town clerk in 1987, serving for eight years before being elected to the Senate during a 1995 special election.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino lauded Marcellino’s career, including his efforts to preserve open space, such as 300 acres at SUNY Old Westbury, and passing environmental and water protections.

"He was also a strong supporter of public safety initiatives and local infrastructure investments, always focused on delivering tangible results for his constituents," Saladino said. "In addition to his earlier service with the Town of Oyster Bay, his career reflected a lifelong commitment to effective, responsive government, and he leaves behind a meaningful legacy of public service."

In a statement, Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra (R-Garden City South) said: Marcellino's "thoughtful approach to public service was shaped in large part by his 20-year career as a teacher and school administrator in New York City. He understood the importance of leadership and preparation, and he brought both to his work in Albany every day."

Marcellino was a loyal Republican and a committeeman for the South Syosset Republican Committee. His son said he helped collect petitions with his father and tracked returns when he ran for office.

Nassau GOP Chairman Joseph Cairo said Marcellino "was instrumental in securing critical school aid funding for Long Island students and was a tireless advocate for protecting Long Island Sound and the waterways of our North Shore."

During his tenure, he helped secure grants for communities and education. He also served as chairman of the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, where he probed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Long Island Power Authority as well as rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy.

“’It was a natural progression for him," his son said. "He wasn’t someone destined to become a politician. I think more of the teacher side of him pushed him into it. He had strong opinions and thought he could teach and that pushed him into being a leader for the community."

Marcellino lost his bid for reelection in 2018 to Sen. James Gaughran.

After leaving office, Marcellino remained active in the community, including in the Rotary Club and serving on a committee to preserve the Theodore Roosevelt statue in Oyster Bay.

Family members said Marcellino was devoted to his four grandchildren and loved the beach and living on the water.

In addition to his son, Marcellino is survived by his wife, Patricia Marcellino, of Syosset; daughter, Jean Marcellino, of Wading River; and four grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Syosset.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.