The Deer Park School District community held a surprise celebration, “A Falcon’s Legacy,” on June 11 in the Deer Park High School auditorium, for retiring Board of Education trustee Al Centamore, whose 30 years of service on the Board made an incredible impact on Deer Park’s schools, students and community.
In attendance at this evening of joyful reflection and appreciation were current and former administrators, teachers, coaches, students and staff, and Centamore’s classmates, friends and family.
The event featured a heartfelt look back at Centamore’s decades of dedication, as well as stirring musical performances from the Deer Park High School Jazz Band and Deer Park High School String Quartet, Robert Frost Middle School seventh grader Jayden River singing “Fly Me to the Moon,” and the Deer Park High School Select Choir singing “The Times They Are a Changin’” and “Out on the Line.”
Speakers included Superintendent Jim Cummings; Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly; Centamore’s childhood friend Louise Schaetzel; coaches Cody Ciolino and Keri Schumacher; Athletic Director Dom Fontana; district physician Dr. Anthony Donatelli; Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott, Vice President Kristine Rosales and trustees Grace Heyne, Jerry Jean-Pierre and Mahwish Yaqoob; former Board members John Gouskos and Anthony Henkel; and Centamore’s children Alicia Freda and Joe Centamore.
“Tonight we are all here for the privilege of honoring the legacy of a truly great man and a true Falcon,” Cummings said. “Al is a man who has impacted Deer Park in countless ways. Long before he was a Board of Ed trustee, he was a student in Deer Park High School who left his mark in the hallways and athletic fields. He was an outstanding athlete, playing both football and baseball while also excelling in the classroom and earning the respect of his peers, who elected him president of student council. For many people, what Al accomplished in high school would be enough to ensure they were remembered by their high school peers. Al, tonight’s incredible turnout is a testament to the impact that you’ve had across generations of Deer Park students, staff and families. You have given so much of your time, your energy and your heart to this community and district. I hope tonight gives you a little glimpse of the tremendous admiration and respect this community has for you. After so many years of selflessly giving your time to Deer Park, I wish you health, happiness and many years ahead with the family that I know you cherish so deeply. On behalf of the entire Deer Park community, thank you for your effort, dedication, wisdom and love. We are a better district because of you.”
“You have gone the distance for anyone who needed help in our beautiful town, whether a student, a family or a stranger,” Elliott said. “You are what we would call here in Deer Park – our hero. Your devotion is something that inspires all who know you. You have impacted generations before us and will impact generations after us. Your name will remain visible on this campus for many generations, and they will know how important you are and have been to Deer Park. You have left a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, devotion and true heart. This whole auditorium is filled with people that you have impacted.”
“Thank you, Al, for your service, your friendship and your guidance,” Jean-Pierre said. “The community will endure because of the foundation you helped build. The lives you touched will continue to reflect your influence. You will be very missed.”
“My dad often talks about the teachers, coaches and mentors who shaped his childhood here in Deer Park,” said Freda, who was elected last month to her father’s seat on the Board of Education. “They made him feel valued, supportive and connected to something bigger than himself. Those experiences stayed with him and inspired him, not only to give back to this community, but to spend his life creating similar experiences for others. To my dad: What you did mattered. It made a difference and people are better because of it. You gave us an example of how to treat people, how to be dependable, and how to lead with love and how to live a life quietly, leaving things better than you found them. That’s your legacy, and it’s one we carry with us every single day.”
“I was completely shocked and so appreciative of what everyone said, and I thank you all for being here,” Centamore said. “If I had done one-tenth of what the educators here do on a weekly basis, then I would consider what I have done a success.”
Click here to view the Deer Park celebrates retiring Board of Ed trustee and pillar of the community Al Centamore slideshow.
Date Added: 6/17/2026