Patty Vacchio Named Inwood Civic's Citizen of the Year

After her 24-year-old son passed away in October, Patty Vacchio of Inwood set out to help struggling youth and people who suffer from mental illness and their families.

She and her family are in the process of launching eNVy, a non-profit with a mission to provide support and direction to young people and provide them avenues to be successful. It’s dedicated to the memory of the late Nicholas “eNVy” Vacchio, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The creation of eNVy is the latest act by Vacchio on a long list of service to the Five Towns community and beyond. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Inwood Civic Association has named her this year’s “citizen of the year.”

“I’m honored and it’s a privilege,” Vacchio told Patch. “It’s a hard decision to accept — it’s humbling.”

Vacchio serves as the civic’s recording secretary, has volunteered with the Inwood Buccaneers for the past 19 years, is the designer and founder of the Inwood calendar, is a coordinator of the annual Inwood car show, and cofounded the recently launched Inside Inwood — a site dedicated to news for the community. She also trains retailers on how to keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.

Vacchio works as an administrative assistant at Lawrence Woodmere Academy and is president of her family’s business, All Star Engraving, an awards and trophy company.

“She’s the most remarkable person I’ve met in my life. There’s nothing she can’t do,” said Peter Sobol, second vice president of the Inwood Civic Association and cofounder of Inside Inwood. “She’s the glue that holds the organization together.”

Michael Gliner, president of the civic, also had high praise for Vacchio.

“In the time we have worked together and got to know one another, I must say she is a very hard worker, is dedicated to helping out in whatever endeavors the civic has taken on and doesn’t look for praise,” he said. “If I call on her to help out, the word ‘no’ does not exist. I congratulate her and wish her only the best.”

The civic will host a dinner on March 24 with Vacchio as the guest of honor.

But the bashful Vacchio does not take the credit alone. While speaking with Patch, she frequently used the word “we” while discussing her endeavors.

“I’m hoping my passion for youth and volunteer work sends a message to others to do the same,” she said. “This community and others have a need to volunteer and help others. My message is not about me, but what’s needed out there.”

Find eNVy on Facebook here.