The American Legion Mourns the Death of Two Members, Former Commander and Executive Member

A former commander and an executive member of the American Legion Post 924 in Hampton Bays — Richard Mongiello and Raymond Pampena — both died in recent weeks. They were some of “our most highly respected members,” the current commander of the post, Christopher Ramos said.

Mr. Mongiello, 80, died on December 29 following a fall in his condo in Florida, where he lived for the winter months, and Mr. Pampena, 75, died several days later on January 12 from effects of COVID-19. They were known at the American Legion by their respective nicknames, “The Monge” and “The Godfather,” Mr. Ramos said.

Mr. Mongiello was also known by many as the “Great Kahuna,” a nickname associated with those in the United States Marine Corps, his daughter, Tricia Romano, said.

“He would always fill out his cards, like, birthday cards, Christmas cards, or whatever it was, he would always sign it ‘Love the Great Kahuna,’” she said, “and then he would always write ‘Oorah.’” Similarly, the latter phrase is used by Marines as a greeting or an expression of enthusiasm. During active duty, he was stationed at Parris Island in South Carolina, according to his son Richard.

He was the post commander for two terms and a member of the honor guard of the American Legion, where he was responsible for carrying the American Flag at all ceremonies and parades involving the community of Hampton Bays. Mr. Mongiello continued to participate during the pandemic, and most recently carried the flag on Memorial Day.

“He was a big guy — he was six-four, and when he carried that flag, you saw it,” Mr. Ramos said.

Mr. Mongiello was instrumental in creating the American Legion memorial in Hampton Bays. “It was his pet project, and he seemed to be able to do it very well,” Mr. Ramos said. He filled out the paperwork, received all the necessary permits, sought funding from the town, and even helped with the construction process.

The memorial sits adjacent to the post and features commemorative bricks placed in the shape of a star surrounded by several flag poles. While construction was completed in 2008, Mr. Mongiello pushed to have the post renamed as the “Nick Lombardi Memorial Park” following his death in 2015. Mr. Lombardi was a veteran of the Korean War and an adjunct of the American Legion in Hampton Bays.

He often volunteered at his church, Saint Isidore in Riverhead, by assisting those with disabilities during services. He also volunteered at the Special Olympics in Atlanta, according to his daughter, Ms. Romano. He was an avid sports fan — and supported the Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Rangers — and he loved Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly’s music.

In keeping with his training from the Marines, he was strict and regimented, Mr. Ramos said. “He meant what he said, and he said what he meant.” Mr. Ramos said, “and he was just a great human being.”

Mr. Mongiello is survived by four children, Richard, Kevin, Donnamarie, and Tricia; and 18 grandchildren. His wife Patricia died in 1997, and he remarried in 2002 to Geraldine. She died in 2018.

Mr. Pampena was also an active member of the American Legion, serving on the executive board for over 15 years. He and his wife, Annie, would have “date nights” at the post, Mr. Ramos said. “They would come down on Friday nights, and hang out at the bar,” he said, “and I’d play 50s music, and they would be dancing.”

Mr. Ramos was known for taking a flashlight and shining it on the couple as they danced, according to Ms. Pampena. “They’re just the greatest couple,” Mr. Ramos said. They met in high school while living in the Bronx, and they married shortly after Mr. Pampena returned home from serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on December 7.

“He was one in 10 million,” Ms. Pampena said.

While a resident of Mastic, Mr. Pampena joined the American Legion in Hampton Bays through his love of drag racing and the motorcycle community. He was attending an event for the American Eagles Riders at Battery Park in New York City when two cables on his bike broke. Unable to ride his bike back home, Hampton Bays’ Legion members used an old ambulance to transport the bike back to Mastic. From there, Mr. Pampena and his wife became close friends with the members of the American Legion Post 924.

“He was universally loved, and accepted by the Legion,” Ms. Pampena said.

A wake was held on Sunday evening followed by a military escort on Monday morning to Calverton National Cemetery, according to the Patriot Guard Riders of New York’s website.

“Just the sweetest, greatest, human being you ever wanted to meet,” Mr. Ramos said, “that was Ray.”

Mr. Pampena is survived by his wife; two children, Raymond and Bill; and one grandson, Anthony.

A fundraiser for Mr. Pampena’s family has been created to help cover the expenses that have amounted during this time. To learn more, or donate, visit the GoFundMe website.