In June 2024, the Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution sponsored by Legis. Chad Lennon to establish an annual recognition of a Veteran of the Year from each Legislative District.

The initiative coincides with the national celebration of Veterans Day and underscores Suffolk County’s commitment to honoring the courage, patriotism, and sacrifice of its military veterans.

Each November, Suffolk County legislators select a veteran residing within their district to be honored at the November General Meeting of the Legislature. This recognition celebrates the inspiring service of local veterans who have significantly contributed to their communities and our nation.

“As a member of the veterans committee, I am always amazed by our veterans that serve this country wherever they are called to duty in the world… and still return home and continue to serve the communities. [There’s] not an event in [the] Medford community where Walter [Maresco] is not at helping in any way he can,” said Legis. Dominick Thorne.

Thorne nominated Walter Maresco for this year’s Veteran of the Year award for the 7th  District.

“He is always serving his community,” added Thorne. “Suffolk County has one of New York State’s largest population of veterans. We are so blessed to have people like Walter in our midst.”

Maresco was born on June 3, 1944, to parents Walter and Emily. His family moved to Medford when he was just 1 year old, and in 1946, they built a brick house on Robinson Avenue. As the oldest of four siblings, Maresco faced the loss of all his siblings at various stages in life.

He began his education in Medford in 1949 and graduated high school in 1963, subsequently joining the Air Force in 1964. His service took him to Texas, Colorado, and Okinawa, Japan, before he volunteered to serve in Cam Ranh, Vietnam. Returning home in September 1967, he embarked on a career in telecommunications with New York Tel.

In 1970, Maresco married Susan, and together they raised three sons. Inspired by his sons’ interest in the Boy Scouts, he co-founded Boy Scout Troop 556 in Medford in 1974.

His dedication to service extended to joining the Suffolk County Auxiliary Police and Brookhaven Park Police. Active in community organizations, Maresco is the commander of the American Legion John R. Cacioppo Post 1848 and has served as commander of VFW Post 2937. He also volunteers at St. Sylvester Church as a head usher and enjoys painting.