Michael Iannotta bought his brother Anthony a jacket for his birthday last year. On the back he had the words "King of Clubs" imprinted on the back, a testament to his brother’s commitment to his community through his active involvement in so many local clubs.

"He spent all of his spare time doing charity work," said Michael Iannotta. "If there was a child who was hurting or in need, he did what had to be done to help them. He was always there for anyone who needed help."

Anthony (Tony) Iannotta June 22, 2001.

Born in New York City, he attended schools there and moved to Lindenhurst in 1961. He is co-owner of ABA Auto on Deauville Boulevard in Copiague and he became involved in numerous local organizations while living and working in the area, including the Copiague Kiwanis, the Sons of Italy, the Knights of Columbus and Kids Need-Us, an organization that helps homeless children.

He was honored for his volunteer work in the community by numerous organizations including the Kiwanis,

Mr. Iannotta was a veteran, having served with the United States Army in Kansas City, from 1957 to 1959.

"I can’t think of a nicer guy," said Suffolk County Leg. Maxine Postal who knew Mr. Iannotta and often worked with him on community projects. "He put up a gruff front but had a soft heart and was always doing nice things for people without looking for credit."

Postal said that Mr. Iannotta never saw differences in people and treated everyone fairly, particularly in his business. "He loved his family and the entire Copiague community is his family," she said.

Maryann Murphy (Murph), a longtime friend of Mr. Iannotta’s described him as a man who was always there for his community and always willing to give his time and financial support to worthwhile causes, particularly those helping children.

"If there was a project going on in Copiague, he was involved in it," said Murphy of Century 21 Realty. "He will be greatly missed by this community."

Mr. Iannotta is survived by his wife Vermelle (Vi), and his children: Maria Hyde and her husband Rob of North Babylon; Jeanna Fiordiliso and her husband John of Lindenhurst and Anthony Jr., and his wife Michelle of Amity Harbor. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Anthony, Lisa, Destinee, Deanna and Julianna; his brother Salvatore and his wife Johanna of Florida and his brother Michael (Mickey) and his wife Vivian of Deer Park.

Mr. Iannotta reposed at the D’Andrea Brothers Funeral Home, 99 Oak St., Copiague. A Mass of Christian Burial was said at Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church, Lindenhurst on Tuesday, June 26, 2001. Interment followed in St. Charles Cemetery.