Community Corner

Chamber Chairman Lawrence A. Kushnick Dies

Melville attorney was active in several civic organizations.

This article was written by Pam Robinson. 

Lawrence A. Kushnick, sworn in less than two weeks ago as chairman of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, died suddenly Monday. He was 51 years old.

"Larry was an inspiring businessman and a significant leader in Huntington," the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce said Monday night. "His dedication and commitment to our community are immeasurable and his efforts to supporting our local township have made a significant impact in all of Huntington's hamlets.  His vision and  groundbreaking contributions locally helped position our Chamber as a strong community voice and advocate for local business."

Kushnick founded Kushnick & Associates, P.C., a  law firm dedicated to the practice of construction, commercial and real estate litigation and arbitration. The Melville firm later became Kushnick Pallaci PLLC.

He delivered the organization's "State of the Chamber" address at annual networking meeting at the Huntington Yacht Club on May 21. The address focused on the Chamber’s vision to maintain economic strength, expand opportunities and continue to grow local business and industry within the community. 

Kushnick was actively involved in many organizations and could frequently be found at civic meetings, including a community meeting Thursday in Huntington Station led by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. 

At a recent Town Board meeting, he spoke emphatically in support of efforts by Renaissance Downtowns to revitalize Huntington Station. 

He also served as chairman of the Long Island Fall Festival and was frequently spotted during the festival, zipping around the park in a golf cart with Bob Bontempi, who he succeeded as chamber chairman.

"I don't think there's any other festival like it," Kushnick told Huntington Patch in 2010. "It's got a unique layout in that it takes place around the lake at Heckscher Park. It's a beautiful location. It's also special because the Town of Huntington is a vibrant energetic town where people come out to support all the events that occur in town."

He was also founding board member of Moonjumpers, a non-profit organization helping people in Huntington, and served on the board of Splashes of Hope and Leadership Huntington.

Before founding his own firm, he served as a senior associate at 
L'Abbate Balkan Colavita & Contini in Garden City and as associate and senior associate at Lester Schwab.

Kushnick was a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Long Island Builders Institute, The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, American Institute of Architects, General Building Contractors of New York State, and Associated General Contractors.  He is a frequent lecturer to the construction industry and legal professionals and prior adjunct faculty member of Long Island University C.W. Post University.

He received his J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

"We extend our sympathy and condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.  Larry Kushnick, you will always be honored and cherished in our hearts.  We will miss you, our dear friend," the chamber said.

Arrangements are not yet announced. 



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