IN MEMORIAM

Pat Grasso, 82; Venerable

Laurens Central Coach, AD

LAURENS – Pasquale J. “Pat” Grasso, 82, notable Laurens Central School athletic director and football, baseball and basketball coach, passed away Feb. 23, 2016, at Bassett Hospital. 

Arrangements are with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home in Oneonta, which is preparing the official obituary.

Meanwhile, here are excerpts from the resolution introduced by state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, on Grasso’s retirement in 2009, that details his career and accomplishments.

“A native of Schenectady, New York, Pat Grasso graduated from Schenectady High School and attended Ithaca College; he played sports in both high school and college and was a highly regarded football player.

“After graduating from college in 1957, Pat Grasso came to Laurens Central School, where he is presently in his 52nd year of employment; during his tenure, he served as athletic director and dean of students and taught physical education and driver education.

“In addition, Pat Grasso coached the football, baseball and basketball teams for over 30 years and started the Varsity Club; he also served on the Tri-Valley League Committee since its inception and as its representative to Section IV.

“When Pat Grasso came to Laurens Central School in 1957, he began his coaching career in the original gym, which was built in 1929; he opened the “New” gym in 1967, which was the first “Big Gym” in the Tri-Valley League and considered its crown jewel.

“A skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence, Pat Grasso earned the just respect and admiration of the community, his peers and the athletes he so ably coached, and clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition at Laurens Central School.

“With Pat Grasso throughout have been his wife, Marilyn, their children, Michael and Margaret, and two granddaughters, Lydia Rose and Emma Grace, as well as his mother, Rose, brother, Larry, and sister, Madelyn, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements.”