Library Director Marianne Malagon (center) and Operations Director Courtney Rosenblatt (right) present an engraved gavel to Library Trustee J. Randolph Colahan.
Garden City Public Library Board Trustee J. Randolph Colahan attended his final meeting Monday, December 8, 2025, following nearly a quarter century of dedicated service. First appointed to the Board in 2002, he served as chairman for an unprecedented 18 years, between 2007-2024. He currently serves as Trustee until his term officially ends December 31. He has been present for more than 275 meetings, plus numerous executive sessions and Village Hall budget hearings.
Mary Maguire, Library Board Vice Chair, led the meeting in Chair Colleen Foley’s absence. She thanked Trustee Colahan for his mentorship of newly appointed Trustees, including herself. “He has always represented the Garden City Library with the highest standards of honesty and integrity and steered the Library through the Children’s Room restoration that countless young children enjoy today,” she said. “He responded to every incident that occurred in the Library during his 18 years as chairman, whether a leak in the roof or a disruptive patron. We are filled with gratitude and pride in your accomplishments. You set a remarkable example for all of us to follow.”
In Chair Foley’s absence, Mayor Ed Finneran presented Trustee Colahan with a citation on behalf of the Village, which read, in part: “His executive and management experience has provided invaluable levels of understanding and empathy, which has helped make the Garden City Public Library a warm, welcoming place for all … The Village of Garden City is honored to recognize Library Trustee and former Chairman, J. Randolph Colahan, for his twenty-three years of dedicated service to the Village and his efforts to continuously improve the quality of life for Garden City residents, making the Garden City Library a vital part of residents’ lives.”
“We all know what it takes in terms of time, dedication and being away from home,” Mayor Finneran said, “Having a person like Randy, who’s probably one of a handful who have served for nearly a quarter century, we are exceptionally lucky for his dedication and for the sacrifices his family made.”
Chair Foley reflected on Trustee Colahan’s tenure in a statement. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with someone so experienced and dedicated to the Garden City community. He’s one of the longest-serving Trustees Garden City has ever seen. I wish him all the best in retirement,” she said.
Trustee Colahan received an engraved gavel set from the Library, presented by Library Director Marianne Malagon and Operations Director Courtney Rosenblatt, and proclamations from U.S. Congresswoman Laura Gillen, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, State Senator Siela A. Bynoe, State Assemblyman Edward P. Ra, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, and Nassau County Legislator John J. Giuffré.
For Trustee Colahan, who thanked all those in attendance, including his wife, Elena, his daughter, Claire Long, and sister, Laurie Burke, his tenure afforded him many beautiful relationships. “Something that comes out of this is all the friendships I’ve been able to develop. Hopefully I will continue to see you in years going forward,” he said.