Scott Robert Giambattista:
A Legacy of service

“A Secret Service Agent from Sayville

is Shot Protecting the U.S. President.”

Prepared by Thomas McMahon

Scott Robert Giambattista, from Class of 1978, shines as an exemplary figure of Sayville’s proud legacy. His remarkable journey inspires our current and future alumni, showcasing the values instilled during high school in both academics and athletics.

“A Secret Service Agent from Sayville is Shot Protecting the U.S. President.”

“A hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.”

Heroes walk among us every day, often unnoticed, performing acts of courage and sacrifice that inspire us all.

In 1885, Giovanni Giambattista was born in Ornano Grande, Italy. Driven by dreams of a better life, he left behind everything he knew and embarked on a journey to America in 1903. Such a leap into the unknown, fueled by hope and ambition, is undeniably heroic.

In 1908, Giovanni married Lucrezia Tempestosa. For many years, he worked tirelessly for the railroad. Giovanni and Lucrezia built a large family, among them a son named Robert Giambattista.

Robert was born in New Jersey in 1925. After high school, he felt the call of duty and joined the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving his country with valor in the Pacific theater from 1943 to 1946. Combat service, with all its perils and demands, is the essence of heroism.

Upon his return, Robert seized the opportunity provided by the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education. He graduated from New Jersey State Teachers College with a degree in education, a testament to his belief in the power of a good education.

In 1951, Robert met Betty Jane. Their marriage was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with community service and dedication to education. They moved to Long Island, where Robert embarked on a distinguished forty-year career, mostly with the Sachem Central School District. Starting as a gym teacher, he eventually rose to principal of Waverly Ave and Lynwood Ave Elementary Schools, earning his Master’s degree along the way.

Robert and Betty were pillars of their community, deeply involved in local organizations. Their work with the Girl Scouts stands out, as does Betty’s 34-year tenure with the Suffolk County Board of Elections. They raised five children: Lise, Kathy, Robin, Scott, and Kerry, instilling in them the same values of service and dedication.

Their son Scott, born in Sayville in 1960, carried the family legacy forward. A star athlete in high school, Scott excelled in football, track, and the school orchestra. He pursued higher education at Eastern Kentucky University, earning a degree in law enforcement and corrections.

Scott’s career led him to the White House Secret Service staff, where he served for over thirty years. In 1990, during an attempted intrusion at the White House, Scott was shot in the line of duty. He survived, a living testament to bravery and resilience.

Today, Scott continues to serve his community in a local school. He is married and has children, passing on the values and courage that have defined his family for generations.

Scott’s story, intertwined with those of his ancestors, paints a vivid picture of heroism passed down through the years. From Giovanni’s bold migration to Robert’s wartime service and educational leadership, to Scott’s dedication and bravery, the Giambattista family exemplifies the essence of American heroism.


Heroes abound in our great nation. To find them, we need only look around and recognize the everyday acts of valor and dedication that make our country strong. The Giambattista Family stands among these American heroes, living each day to make the United States the greatest nation on earth.