Original member of Civilian Patrol dies

John Graziano, an original member of the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol, died on Oct. 6. He was 96.

Graziano was born on Feb. 18, 1913, in Brooklyn. He moved to Valley Stream in 1948 and lived in the same home on Ash Street until three years ago. His children attended Clear Stream Avenue School and graduated from Central High School.

In 1983, the Civilian Patrol started in Valley Stream and Graziano was one of the founding members. He remained active the with the organization until he moved out of the community. Civilian Patrol President Ralph Polverino said that Graziano, even in his early 90s, would go out patrolling three nights a week.

MaryAnn Mulvihill, Graziano’s daughter, said that her father couldn’t drive the last few years but would partner with a patrol member who could. “He would ride shotgun the last couple of years,” she said. “Civilian Patrol was a big part of his life.”

In additional to Mulvihill, Graziano is survived by two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Irene and son Nick.

Graziano was once a professional musician who entertained troops overseas in USO shows. He played the bass fiddle and electric bass. When traveling became too much, he went to work for Citibank on Wall Street.

But Civilian Patrol was his true passion, Mulvihill said, noting that her father would always march with the organization in the village’s Memorial Day parade. She also said that he made many friends through his involvement with the group.

“He loved Valley Stream,” she said. “He cared about the community. He cared about people and he wanted to help.”

Polverino said that Graziano never wanted to be a ranking officer in the Civilian Patrol, he just wanted to ride around and ensure the safety of his community.

“He was one of the better fellows, very honest,” Polverino said. “He was very, very well-liked.”