Peter Schmitt, presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, died on Wednesday of a heart attack.
Schmitt, 62, suffered the heart attack during a meeting in Nassau County Edward Mangano’s office, according to a staff member
Schmitt, a Republican from Massapequa, was serving his ninth term in the county legislature representing the 12th Legislative District.
“Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant,” Mangano said in a statement, calling him an “outspoken advocate” for his constituents. Mangano said the county “is a better place because of Peter’s leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed.”
In a statement on behalf of the Democrats in the county Legislature, Democratic minority leader Kevan Abrahams said, “Our entire caucus is shocked and saddened by the passing of Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt. He was an iconic leader of our Legislature since its inception in 1995. Through his career spent in public service he has left an indelible mark on Nassau County. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello said, “Nassau County has lost a dedicated leader who served the resident well. I’m proud to have served with since the inception of the Legislature. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and daughter.”
Jay Jacobs, chairman of the Nassau Democratic Committee, said he was “shocked and saddened” at the news of Schmitt’s death.
“While we disagreed on most issues and our politics differed, I respected his leadership and his commitment to his principles and values. Peter was a strong advocate, and a formidable political opponent. He was also always a gentleman in his dealings with me, personally,” Jacobs said.
Schmitt’s tenure as presiding officer and majority leader for the past two year was marked by rancorous relations with the Democrats, which often produced sharp verbal exchanges between Schmitt and the Democratic legislators during public sessions.
With Schmitt’s death, the county Legislature is now equally divided between Democrats and Republicans.
As county executive, Mangano must call a special election to fill the seat.
Schmitt served as the legislature’s deputy presiding officer from 1996 through 1999, minority leader from 2000 through 2009, and as of January 2010, the presiding officer and majority Leader.
Schmitt was appointed commissioner of the Department of Community and Youth Services for the Town of Oyster Bay in 1984 and served in that capacity through 1995. He was first elected to the county Legislature in November 1995.
He is credited with developing the county’s Music Under The Stars program. He was focused on operations of both the Town of Oyster Bay Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program and its Youth Bureau.
A resident of Massapequa since 1974, Schmitt was a trustee of the Massapequa Historical Society, past president of the Treehaven Civic Association, past chairman of the Massapequa Heart Fund, member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Massapequa, and member and Past Officer of the B.P.O. Elks 2162.
Schmitt is survived by his wife Lois, his daughter Samantha and a grandson, Logan.
