We hope you will join us this Saturday, October 11, as Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Homes, will serve as Grand Marshal of the Long Island Columbus Day Parade.

Thank You to the Babylon Beacon for the Coverage:

Babylon Town to host Columbus Day Parade

Sal Mangano still remembers his mother’s words, spoken softly but with conviction: “You have to think of others and always give back.”

Those words, he said, shaped not only his outlook, but the path of his life.

This fall, that lifelong commitment to service will be recognized when Mangano is honored as one of the grand marshals of the 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade — returning to Babylon for the first time in decades. The parade steps off on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Deer Park.

Mangano, whose family owns and operates Mangano Family Funeral Homes, will be recognized alongside several local leaders, including Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, former News 12 anchor Danielle Campbell, State Sen. Mario Mattera, Assemblyman Steve Stern, and Enzo Bifulco, a 52-year member of the Cellini Lodge, Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

Babylon Town Councilman Anthony Manetta is serving as parade chairman.

“It’s going to be a wonderful event, and we are very excited,” Manetta said. “Everyone should make a point of getting out for the parade.”

The celebration begins at the Deer Park Lake Avenue Firehouse, at 94 Lake Ave., with opening remarks at noon. The parade will officially step off at 1 p.m., highlighting the richness of Italian-American heritage and culture.

Floats, banners, marching bands, live music and community groups will fill the route, offering festivities for all ages. The parade will conclude at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge No. 2211, at 2075 Deer Park Ave., where an Italian Food Festival will take place. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, live entertainment and an indoor craft fair.

Community groups are welcome to march in the parade, and families, friends and neighbors are encouraged to attend. Parking is available at JFK Middle School, across from the firehouse, with free shuttle bus service provided.

For more information, call (516) 633-1435.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate Italian heritage, history and culture with such respected individuals and the event hosts,” Mangano said.

A graduate of LaSalle Military Academy, Mangano returned to his hometown to take an active role not only in the family business, but also in the community his family has served for generations. He serves on the board of directors for the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Deer Park and is a member of the finance committee at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church. His civic involvement spans Deer Park, North Babylon and Dix Hills.

“I’m really a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, so this came as quite a surprise,” he said. “I am truly honored — especially to be sharing it with such a great list of people who are dedicated to our community.”

Family, he said, remains at the heart of everything he does. Mangano is married to his wife, Kimberly, and recently welcomed his nephew, Guy, into the business — a step that reflects the same values his mother taught him.

“It’s more than just a business,” he said. “It’s part of who we are. Part of our heritage.”