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Bayport and Blue Point share a heavy heart this week.
It seems anyone who ever attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, received a homemade cake, or attended a chamber of commerce meeting in Bayport-Blue Point has been deeply touched this week by the loss of Lenore Ringer-Prezioso.
Ringer-Prezioso, 60, died on Friday, July 5, after a valiant battle with cancer. The longtime Bayport resident leaves behind a legacy of leadership, generosity and fierce community pride that helped shaped the lives of all who knew her.
Tributes have poured in from every corner of the community and beyond.
“You weren’t just my best friend’s mom; you were a second mom to all of us,” wrote Andre Banks, a close family friend. “You will be missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for being our forever sunshine.”
Parade’s Grand Marshal in 2019
Ringer-Prezioso was a driving force in Bayport-Blue Point for decades. She served as a leader in the chamber of commerce, chaired the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning in 2015, and was named Grand Marshal in 2019.
She also reported for the Bayport-Blue Point Gazette, and was a dedicated member of the local Lions Club and Heritage Association.
Her kindness and creativity became legendary—from her elaborate holiday decorations to her trademark baked goods and gift baskets.
“Her passion is what made Lenore, Lenore,” wrote Chamber president Karl Auwaerter. “Bringing people together was her superpower … there was no façade, just straight-up Lenore—and you were better for it.”
Fierce and loyal
Belinda Rubino, a longtime friend and colleague, called Ringer-Prezioso “the best example of possibilities I had ever met.” She recalled how Lenore tackled challenges head-on, from organizing exclusive events like Showhouse by the Bay to supporting charitable causes such as the Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and children’s disability fundraisers.
“Lenore Ringer-Prezioso was generous and kind; she saw YOU, had courage, and was passionate about the causes she fought for,” Rubino wrote. “She opened my eyes to many things, but most importantly, she showed me the importance of giving from the heart. I will miss her for these and many more reasons.”
Ringer-Prezioso is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Melissa, Anthony and Michael; her grandson, Sean; her mother, Carol Ringer; and five siblings and their families. She was predeceased by her father, George Ringer.
Her family will receive visitors on Tuesday, July 8, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and again from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, 683 Montauk Hwy in Bayport. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snow Church, 175 Blue Point Ave. in Blue Point.
Top photos: Facebook/Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce
