On Monday morning, a new plaque was unveiled in front of Patchogue Village Hall in memory of Marcelo Lucero on what would have been his 50th birthday.
Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant, was murdered by seven teenagers in 2008 while walking home from work. A plaque had previously been dedicated to Lucero, but last year, his brother, Joselo, discovered it had gone missing when he went to place flowers on it on the anniversary of the killing.
“It was really disappointing for me because that represents something important for the community, but also for my family,” Joselo said.
Before the unveiling, Patchogue Village mayor Paul Pontieri and presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Rob Calarco spoke of the tragedy of Lucero’s killing as well as the healing that came after for the Patchogue community.
“The work of so many activists, including Marcelo’s brother, Joselo, has helped to heal Patchogue,” Calarco said. “We know there is still more to do. As we continue the work, memorials like this plaque will serve to remind us of the peace and tolerance we are striving to bring to our community.”
Pontieri recalled talking to Joselo about a year after Marcelo’s death and the comment that has stuck with him to this day.
“It’s a shame my brother had to die for us to come together,” Joselo had said.
In a brief speech, Joselo touched on the importance of speaking out against injustice and creating a caring community.
“It’s absolutely essential that young men, young kids do everything they can do to promote peace and to create a culture of diversity,” Joselo said.
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