Melville Street Renamed After Decorated World War II Veteran

MELVILLE, NY — Earl Road is now Nicholas "Al" Tarantelli Road.

The street was renamed in honor of Tarantelli, a decorated World War II veteran, on Thursday, the Town of Huntington announced. Tarantelli's family joined Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, other town officials and community members.

Tarantelli voluntarily enlisted with the United States Army in 1943. He was assigned to the 321st Infantry Regiment Service Company 81st Division and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. For his service, he received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippines Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star.

Tarantelli’s name is listed on the World War II Veterans Wall at the Town of Huntington’s Veterans Plaza near Town Hall.

His long residence on Earl Road, along with his omnipresence, earned him the unofficial title of "Mayor of Earl Road," according to the town.

The Huntington Town Board on Sept. 12 approved Smyth’s proposal to rename the road. Armand Tarantelli, Nicholas’ 98-year-old brother and a WWII veteran, attended the renaming, along with Nicholas’ daughter, Genevieve Gallagher, stepson Thomas Gallagher, nephew George Manginelli and Nicholas Ciappetta, his grandson.