103-Year Old Community Hero Honored

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — He may be 103 years old, but John Comba, of Westhampton Beach, just received another feather in his proverbial cap of lifetime accomplishments.

As part of its community recognition initiative, the Westhampton Free Library honored its fourth local hero Comba on May 16.

The library’s adult services department selected Comba for his unwavering commitment to the local community throughout his life, the library said in a release.

“The library is thrilled to honor Mr. Comba for his dedication to the community,” said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. “He is a true community hero.”

Comba first moved to the area in 1942 after taking a job in the Westhampton Beach School District as an industrial arts teacher. He worked his way up the ranks to become principal of the middle school and remained in that position until his retirement 36 years later, the library noted.

When not at work, Comba was dedicated to serving in the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, where he holds the title of the oldest member at 76 years of service. Comba is also a church elder at Westhampton Presbyterian Church and was a baseball coach.

Photo courtesy of Michael Azzato.