Matthew Falcone, also affectionately known as “Mr. Manhasset,” passed away on Sept. 29, 2020, at the age of 83. Falcone suffered from complications of the coronavirus and underlying symptoms.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Falcone graduated from Manual Training High School and The City College of New York. He was the first in his family to graduate college.
“He came from extremely humble beginnings and at eight years old, he began delivering newspapers and contributed to the family,” Falcone’s daughter Denise Cestone said.
Falcone was an electrical engineer for 65 years and retired as the Superintendent for Forest Electrical Corporation. Falcone loved to work on some of the most iconic places in the Greater New York City Area, including the World Trade Center, the Pan Am Building, 5th Avenue luxury stores and the New York airports.
He held leadership positions and donated time and talents to organizations, including the Church of Saint Mary, Manhasset Community Club, IBEW Local #3, Knights of Columbus, the United States Marines Corps, the American Legion Post 304, Manhasset Public Library, Kiwanis Club and North Hempstead Country Club.
“He truly loved the community and people in it,” Cestone said. “That was truly evident by who came out to pay their respects to him. He was a contributor to the community and everyone knew him. If you wanted to get something done, you called Matty Falcone. He knew how to get things done.”
Falcone lived in Manhasset for 45 years. His community involvement and activism, along with his humored nature, led to the nickname “Mr. Manhasset.”
“Matt has always been an active and engaged Manhasset resident in his many roles with civic affairs, the American Legion and St. Mary’s.” Greater Council President Richard Bentley said. “Over many years, Matt has been a true inspiration to me, Patti, and my sons Kyle and Sean. Whether at any community event or any casual encounter on our streets, Matt has been the most warm and caring persons I have had the fortune to know. May he rest in peace, joining his late wife Grace in the palm of God’s hands.”
Falcone served in the United States Marine Corps from Jan. 29, 1957, to Jan. 28, 1959, when he was honorably discharged. Falcone received the Good Conduct Medal. According to his daughter, Falcone felt that the Marine Corps saved him and led him on the right path for the future.
ceremony in 2019.
“I was incredibly sadden to hear about the passing of our dear friend Matt Falcone,” Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “Matt was a dedicated part of our community and member of the Town Veteran’s Advisory committee. He was a tremendous advocate for local veterans and part of so many local organizations. His laughter, jokes and smiles will be missed by all. I send my condolences to the Falcone family during these difficult times.”
Falcone was predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Julia Falcone and his wife of almost 50 years, Grace A. Falcone, sister Theresa Ferrara, bother Nicholas Falcone, and nephews Nicholas Falcone Jr. and Salvatore Meloro, all from Brooklyn.
Falcone is survived by his daughter Denise Ceston, granddaughter Lauren, son-in-law Vincent R. Cestone, sister Josephine Meloro, brother-in-laws Lawrence Meloro and Nicholas Creatore, sister-in-law Mary Lou Creatore, nephews and nieces Nicholas Jr., Shay, Nicholas Jr., Suzanne, Lawrence, Lisa, Judy and Kevin.
A mass of Christian burial was held on Oct. 5 at Saint Mary’s Church, followed by a military funeral at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Gardens, Farmingdale. The Falcone family received an American flag on behalf of the President of the United States Donald Trump and a New York State flag from State Senator Anna Kaplan.
“Matthew Falcone was an extraordinarily special person whose generosity of spirit was a constant source of inspiration to me and so many others,” State Senator Anna Kaplan said. “I will always remember Matt not just for his dedication to his country, to his fellow veterans, his family, or his community, but for his big heart, and his inability to say no when someone needed help. With his loss, our community says goodbye to a true giant among us, and he will be sorely missed by us all.”
In lieu of flowers, the Falcone family asks for donations to the Semper Fi Fund, that can be made at SemperFiFund.org.
“Goodbye Dad, you will always live on in my heart and the hearts of others forever, Semper Fi,” Cestone said.
