Local Hero Honored During Street Renaming Ceremony

EAST PATCHOGUE, NY - Town of Brookhaven officials honored a local hero in a special street renaming ceremony in East Patchogue last weekend.

A portion of Martha Avenue was officially renamed "Mark W. Gajewski Way" on Saturday during a ceremony hosted by Town Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Michael Loguercio.

"It’s important that we honor those who exemplify the true spirit of community. Mark Gajewski was an ordinary man who performed extraordinary acts and sacrificed his own life to help others," Romaine said. "His family should take pride in knowing how much we all appreciate his courage to do the right thing."

Gajewski worked as a professional welder, but became a hero after the horrific Sept. 11 terrorist attack when he spent nine months cleaning up at "Ground Zero."

Unfortunately, his heroism came with a price after losing a battle with 9/11-related lung cancer in 2017.

Gajewski, a.k.a "Ski," was known in the community as a man who spent a lifetime helping others in need.

In addition to his work as a 9/11 first responder, in 2005, he drove his truck to New Orleans to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Several officials including Assemblyman Joe DeStaphano and County Legislator Rudy Sunderman attended the event.

Members of Gajewski's family, including his wife, Debra Gajewski; his daughter, Crystal Gajewski and his son, Sean Gajewski were also in attendance during the ceremony.

"I was proud to stand among Mark’s family and friends to celebrate his life. We will never forget his courage and determination to make a difference in the lives of so many people," Loguercio said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to honor his memory and share this day with so many great people."