Carl L. Marcellino

SYOSSET, NY – Carl Louis Marcellino, a formidable leader, dedicated educator, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at his home in Syosset. He was 83.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Carl’s life was defined by a profound commitment to his community and a relentless work ethic. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from New York University (with a focus on marine biology), laying the foundation for a twenty-year career in the New York City Public School System. He served as a science teacher and later as Assistant Principal for Administration at Grover Cleveland High School, always carrying a teacher’s heart into his later work as a policymaker.

Known to many as a pillar of New York government, Carl served as a member of the Syosset School Board, and then the Town Clerk of Oyster Bay before being elected to the New York State Senate, where he represented the 5th Senate District for 24 years. During his distinguished tenure, he chaired the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, as well as the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. He authored over 100 laws that protected New York’s natural beauty and strengthened its schools. He sponsored the first bill in the U.S. banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. He was a leader of unwavering conviction and confidence, famously willing to work with everyone and intimidated by no one. His true legacy lies in his desire to help people, a trait that defined his decades of service.

Carl was a fixture in Syosset, and the broader Oyster Bay and Huntington communities, for over 50 years. Whether he was supporting the Syosset Fire Department, securing grants for the Syosset library or LIRR station, or advocating for the preservation of the local Teddy Roosevelt Statue or the Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor waterfronts, Carl remained deeply connected to the neighbors he served.

Beyond his professional achievements, Carl was a man of deep personal joys. In his youth, he was a competitive swimmer and diver. He was a lifelong lover of the beach, an avid photographer, and a friend to animals of all kinds. He held a deep appreciation for his Italian heritage and was never more at peace than when surrounded by his family.

Of all his titles, his favorite was "Grandpa." He poured his heart into his grandchildren — Aleia, Robert, Shara and Leo — who were his greatest pride and joy. His strength and his steadfast presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Carl is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; his children, Jean and Carl, his daughter-in-law, Larissa, his soon-to-be son-in-law Michael; and his four cherished grandchildren; as a well as a community that is better for his decades of service.

Arrangements are being handled by Beney Funeral Home on Berry Hill Road in Syosset.

A Memorial Mass in Carl’s honor will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Church on Jackson Avenue in Syosset. The specific date and time of the Mass will be announced by the family at a later date.