The memories go with him. As Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, who served a record 40 years in the job, prepares to vacate his office Dec. 29, a half century of historic photographs are coming down from the walls. They span Vecchio's career as an NYPD officer and Long Island politician. They show him with presidents, astronauts, the Queen of Thailand and other notable figures. “They’ve been here so long,” Vecchio said, seated at his desk under a photo that shows him escorting then Sen. John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, at a Manhattan appearance. “They contain memories of a different life.” Many were taken when Vecchio was detailed to the NYPD’s Bureau of Special Services, from 1959 to 1975. That job included escorting dignitaries visiting New York City. Vecchio, 87, said he probably got that job because he spoke French and was a college graduate — rare qualifications in the department in that era. Vecchio said he will hang the photographs in his Fort Salonga house or give them to the town historian. He’s been fielding calls lately from friends who sounded worried how he will handle forced retirement. He said he didn’t know what he’ll do with himself, but that he’ll be fine. “I’m a grown man. I’ve had a lot of experiences in my life, and this is just another one along the way.”
