Former Suffolk Presiding Officer Reflects On Service, New Role

PATCHOGUE, NY — Outgoing Democratic Suffolk presiding officer Rob Calarco closed one door on his service with the county on Friday, but announced that another door has opened and he will be sharing details of what that will be soon.

"As I close the door on this chapter of my life, I want to thank all of you for the great opportunity to serve you," Calarco wrote his Facebook followers on Friday, adding, "I have made so many friendships over the last 10 years as a legislator, and six before as an aide to my predecessor, that I will always cherish."

Calarco, a Patchogue resident, served as the chief of staff to former Suffolk lawmaker Jack Eddington before he was elected to legislative office in 2010.

He gave special thanks to his family, including his wife, Laura, and his three children, who he said, have always supported him in a career that "at times can be very trying on a family."

I also thanked all of the people who have worked in his legislative office over the years.

"A legislator is really only as good as the staff that you have working for you," he said.

Calarco went on to say that he has been "truly blessed," and knows that over the past 10 years, he has left his mark "in so many ways positively impacting both the 7th Legislative District and Suffolk County."

"I will soon be moving on to my new role and will make an announcement soon about what that will be," he wrote, adding, "Thank you all and I hope that you have a happy and healthy new year."