Commissioners
Ralph D. Pugliese, Chairman
Commissioner Ralph D. Pugliese has been a dedicated resident of Franklin Square since 1977 and brings decades of local knowledge and professional experience to the Franklin Square Water District. Currently serving as the District’s Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, Ralph has been committed since January 2001 to ensuring that our residents receive high-quality, safe water while maintaining the lowest possible cost.
Commissioner Pugliese earned a degree in Business Management and Communications from Adelphi University. He began his career in the trades as a plumber’s helper with a local plumbing company before joining the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). During his tenure at the LIRR, he advanced from Plumber to Plumber Foreman and ultimately to Facilities Manager of the Hillside Maintenance Complex in Jamaica, Queens.
Following his service with the LIRR, Commissioner Pugliese transitioned to the healthcare sector, serving as Plant Engineer at Sun Harbor Manor in Roslyn, a 266-bed residential healthcare facility. He later concluded his distinguished career as Director of Off-Campus Facilities for Winthrop University Hospital (now NYU Langone Hospital), retiring in 2020 after years of leadership in facilities management.
Commissioner Pugliese is a past President of the Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) and past Chairman of the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC). These organizations play a critical role in advancing the water industry by bringing together commissioners and industry professionals across Long Island to address evolving standards, regulations, and legislation.
Under Commissioner Pugliese’s leadership, the Franklin Square Water District was awarded Best-Tasting Tap Water in Nassau County in 2017. He has overseen major infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a new treatment plant utilizing Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) technology at the Theodora Street site and a new Granular Activated Carbon treatment plant at the Schroeter Avenue site—both completed within the last five years.
Anthony L. Boccella
Commissioner Anthony Boccella has been a proud resident of Franklin Square since 1954. Born and raised in the community, he attended Polk Street School and H. Frank Carey High School before continuing his education at NY Tech and C.W. Post University, where he studied business and accounting.
Commissioner Boccella joined the Franklin Square Water District in January 2023 and currently serves as Treasurer of the Board of Water Commissioners. He regularly attends Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meetings as well as Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) meetings to stay informed on best practices, ensuring the district’s water supply remains safe and its infrastructure well maintained.
James Spanopoulos
Beyond the boardroom, Jamie is a foundation of youth development and civic life. Serving as the President of the largest youth football league for more than 30 years, Jamie has mentored generations of young athletes, championing the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. This commitment to service extends to Jamie’s active volunteer work within the church, reflecting a personal value in giving back and building a stronger community for the future.
Combining experienced business insight with a heart for public service, Jamie remains a passionate advocate for local growth and a trusted mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders alike.
