Zeldin Surprises Smithtown Man With Invitation To State Of Union

SMITHTOWN, NY - A local congressman surprised the recently retired owner of the beloved Panico's Community Market in Smithtown this week with an invitation to President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address on Jan. 30.

On Tuesday, Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) sat with Donato Panico, who is also the founder of Heros 4 Our Heroes, and asked him if he wanted to attend the event.

"I never expected this," Panico said. "Throughout my life, I have committed myself to giving, not because I sought reward or personal acknowledgement, but to help others in their time of need. This is an unbelievable honor, and I am so humbled to attend the President’s State of the Union in Washington, D.C. with my local Congressman."

“Donato embodies the values so many across Long Island look up to, and it is my honor to attend the State of the Union address alongside someone who has sacrificed so much to better the lives of others," Zeldin said. "Donato Panico is a truly Great American.”

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Panico loaded up his catering truck and drove to Ground Zero to feed search and rescue workers with sandwiches from his Smithtown deli.

He spent 10 straight days at Ground Zero, serving first responders breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sleeping in his catering truck.

His tradition of giving continued, and last September 11th, he gave out over 3,000 sandwiches to firefighters, police and veterans on Long Island and NYC.

“Donato Panico’s dedicated leadership, patriotism and community service have been invaluable. On September 11th, his generosity, kindness and hope illuminated even our darkest of days," Zeldin said. "His hard work and sacrifice represent the resilient spirit of our community and he has not wavered in his commitment to our nation’s first responders, police officers and firefighters."

Earlier this month, Panico announced that he was retiring from his deli after 36 years so he can dedicate more time to his foundation.

"Thank you to all those who have helped me continue my mission of feeding our first responders, but mostly importantly thank you to our men and women in blue, our firefighters, and so many others who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect ours," he said. "Truly, they are the ones who deserve our gratitude.”

Photo courtesy of Congressman Lee Zeldin