The New York State Senate recently paid tribute to Ken Bagatelle, a longtime Freeport resident who passed away this past November 1st. New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) sponsored the legislative resolution memorializing Mr. Bagatelle’s life and many years of community service.
Ken Bagatelle devoted many years of his life towards serving the Freeport community. He was the longtime President of the Northwest Civic Association, serving as a community watchdog for local residents. Mr. Bagatelle helped raise funds for student scholarships and was a youth coach for baseball and softball. He was also a former member of the Village Zoning Board who never missed a meeting during his 11 year tenure.
In addition, Ken Bagatelle tirelessly advocated on behalf of individuals with disabilities. He pushed for renovations of village facilities, curbs, and parking spaces to make them more handicapped accessible.
With passage of the legislative resolution, Ken Bagatelle will forever be memorialized in the history books as part of the New York State Senate’s official record.
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Text of the Resolution
Senate Resolution No. 3449
BY: Senator FUSCHILLO
MOURNING the death of Kenneth Bagatelle,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle of Freeport, New York, died on Sunday,
November 1, 2009, at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle was a Freeport civic leader and local
government watchdog who championed children and the disabled; an
accountant by trade, he made it his business to question leaders on the
nuts and bolts of governance, from sidewalk curbs to hidden budget
deficits; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle was born on May 17, 1942; he attended
Freeport schools and graduated from Hofstra University in 1964 and
served as president of the school's George M. Estabrook Alumni
Association; an accountant for Hempstead Town for about 30 years, he
retired 10 years ago; and
WHEREAS, For years, Kenneth Bagatelle coached youth baseball and
softball, helped raise scholarship money for Freeport students and
offered financial advice to the school board; he was president of the
Northwest Civic Association for many years, moderating political debates
and booking such guests as District Attorney Kathleen Rice; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle served on the village zoning board of
appeals from 1985 to 1996 and did not miss a single meeting; to improve
accessibility for the disabled, Kenneth Bagatelle, who had arthritis and
diabetes, pushed for the remodeling of village facilities, the
renovation of curbs and more designated parking spaces; his
contributions to Freeport will be sorely missed; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Bagatelle is survived by his sister, Janice Waxman,
and by his nieces and nephews; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Kenneth Bagatelle, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Kenneth Bagatelle.
