Solemn Remembrance for a Fallen Public Servant

A day after the tragedy, a poignant tribute was left where Steven Giacobello performed his final tour of duty.

A bouquet of black balloons were left attached to the municipal trash bin he had just emptied before his sudden death on West Main Street Tuesday.

Giacobello, 45, of Westbury, was a veteran member of the Oyster Bay Highway Department. He leaves behind a wife, Angela, and three daughters.

Supervisor John Venditto issued this statement in Giacobello's memory:

“It is with a great deal of sorrow that I learned of the tragic accident that took the life of a member of the Town of Oyster Bay family, Steven Giacobello," Venditto said. "I know I speak on behalf of every member of our workforce who knew Steven when I say that he will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” 

His union, the CSEA, also issued a statement:

"CSEA is mourning the loss of Long Island Region member Steven A Giacobello, 45, who died Tuesday, Sept. 23, while doing his job for the Town of Oyster Bay."

Giacobello's formal title was "equipment operator II" at the town’s Department of Public Works, Public Packaging and Snow Removal.

The CSEA said it is conducting its own investigation of the accident.

There were also a wide assortment of Facebook tributes: They included: 

"We will miss you brother," from Fran Hackett.

"Everything's different now without Steve," said Cathy McGarry.

And there was this: "The world is definitely a darker place without Steve in it," wrote John Conley.