State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, along with the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, posthumously honored Kenneth Turrisi as the 2008 Distinguished Bay Shore-Brightwaters Citi­zen at Bill's Restaurant in Bay Shore. The award recognizes individuals of outstanding char­acter who made notable con­tributions to their society and inspired others through their model citizenship.

Shown, left to right, are: Carolyn and Chris Turrisi, Kara Marie Turrisi, Maria Turrisi, Senator Owen H. John­son and Assemblyman Philip M. Boyle. Throughout his lifetime, Tur­risi offered his services and tal­ents to numerous organizations: he was president of the West Babylon Lions Club, president of the O'Conec Homeowners Association, president of the Bay Shore Tuna Club, and a re­spected member of the Chamber and Business Improve­ment District boards. Among Turrisi's many efforts to bring about Bay Shore's re­vitalization was the transformation of the former Baybright Ho­tel into an attractive housing complex, the conversion of blighted structures on Fifth and Saxon Avenues into handsome apartments, and the construction of the Main Street Band Shell. These struc­tures all now stand as a testament to Ken's legacy. "Ken Turrisi truly made a lasting mark on Bay Shore," said Sena­tor Owen H. Johnson. "It's very appropriate that we honor him as this year's outstand­ing

citizen and it is my honor to present his family with a New York State Legislative Resolution recogniz­ing his many contribu­tions."