Wake services will be held Wednesday and Thursday for former Nassau County Executive Tom Gulotta, who passed away Monday at 75 years old.

Gulotta was a Republican who served as Nassau County executive from 1987 until 2001.

The longtime North Merrick resident first served as a state assemblyman, eventually rising to the role of Hempstead Town supervisor, and then Nassau executive.

The Nassau legislature's current presiding officer, Rich Nicolello, says Gulotta was always a gentleman.

“I'd say his legacy was the professionalism and dignity he brought to the office,” Nicolello says. “It really elevated the office, and especially in these times, and it really is something that we can look back to as to how a public official should behave.”

The Nassau Republican Committee says the services will be held at the Walker Funeral Home in Merrick.

Gulotta’s funeral will be Friday.

READ MORE: Former Nassau County Executive Tom Gulotta dies at age 75