“HIS WARMTH STILL CIRCULATES THROUGH THIS BUILDING” EDWARD MINICOZZI, SR. HONORED AT MILL NECK
Mill Neck, NY — September 29, 2021 — Mill Neck Manor estate was buzzing with excitement last week, as community members, friends, and several generations of the Minicozzi family came together to celebrate the renaming of the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf Auditorium, to the Edward Minicozzi, Sr. Auditorium, honoring Minicozzi’s long history of support and service to Mill Neck Family of Organizations.
Beyond his successful business career, Minicozzi, who founded General Utilities, General Security, and Cozy Real Estate, was devoted to a myriad of community service projects. In 1951, Mill Neck Manor Lutheran School for the Deaf opened its doors to 21 Deaf students, with a mission to provide accessible education and spiritual guidance for Deaf children. The school began operating out of the historic manor house on the property but eventually outgrew the space. In 1999, Minicozzi co-chaired a Capital Campaign Cabinet that was tasked with raising funds for the building of Mill Neck’s new Deaf Education Center. Under Minicozzi’s leadership and care, a new state-of-the-art facility was opened on September 23, 2002.
Minicozzi’s love and support for Mill Neck Manor continued far beyond his work on the new school building. He went on to employ one of Mill Neck’s consumers and has assisted with a number of the organization’s community fundraising events. Today, his support lives on through the entire Minicozzi family, who continue to carry out his legacy of love and philanthropy.
A theme of gratitude was prevalent throughout the dedication program, as several people spoke of Minicozzi’s generosity. Dr. Asiah Mason, Mill Neck’s CEO, described Minicozzi as “a dear friend and true leader in our Mission.” Board of Trustees Member, William Charon, spoke of Minicozzi’s generosity, guidance, and determination in securing additional funding to supplement what was provided by New York State, adding that, “Ed’s warmth and friendship is still circulating through this building today.” Brandon Li, a Deaf 10th grader of the school, credited Minicozzi for the quality of education he has received. He recalls the anxiety he felt on his first day of school at the age of five, and how the support of his teachers and school staff helped him overcome his unease. Li went on to describe Mill Neck as “a second family.”
Minicozzi’s son, Edward, Jr., reflected on his family’s long-time engagement with Mill Neck. As local residents, the Minicozzi family attended the organization’s Apple Festivals and holiday events. Along with his father, Edward Jr. has also volunteered his time helping out with several Mill Neck events, as well as working on other special projects over the years. He thanked Mill Neck Family of Organizations for honoring his father’s memory, and for the distinction of the auditorium dedication, adding, “he would be so happy to see how far you’ve come.”
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of Mill Neck’s new auditorium sign, with the name Edward Minicozzi, Sr. Auditorium proudly branded above the entrance.
About Mill Neck Family of Organizations
The Mill Neck Family of Organizations, founded by Lutheran Friends of the Deaf in 1947, includes Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, Mill Neck Services, Lutheran Friends of the Deaf and Mid-Island Audiology at Mill Neck. Mill Neck is dedicated to creating a world in which Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are included, empowered, celebrated and embraced as equals through quality and accessible education, sign language, spiritual development, employment, and habilitation programs and services.
To learn more about the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, please visit millneck.org or call 516-922-4100/SVRS® 516-558-3315.
CONTACT:
Chris Oddo
Director of Community Outreach
Email: [email protected]