Longtime Laurens Central School coach, administrator and mentor Pat Grasso has died.  Reports say he was struck ill on Tuesday night and died shortly after.  Grasso spent more than a half century in local athletics and was a beloved member of the Laurens community.

When the Laurens Central School gymnasium was named in his honor, a New York State Senate resolution told of his achievements. Sen. Jim Seward was the sponsor.  https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions/2009/j196

Yes, he was an impressive guy.

R.I.P coach......

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of the gym at
Laurens Central School as Pat "Coach" Grasso Court in honor of the
former coach, educator and teacher

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those notable educators and athletic coaches who have served
the youth of this great Empire State and distinguished themselves and
their schools through outstanding commitment and exemplary athletic
achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the dedication of the gym at Laurens Central School as Pat "Coach"
Grasso Court in honor of the former coach, educator and teacher; and

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

WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Pat Grasso and to wish him continued
success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of the gym at Laurens Central School as Pat
"Coach" Grasso Court in honor of the former coach, educator and teacher;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pat Grasso.

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