Anthony Ettorre

Anthony Ettorre passed January 16, 2015 at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, NC

The league will rededicate the field in his memory on the opening day of the season Saturday April 18th at 10:00am on the little league baseball field that is named after him. A Memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm the same day at Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Anthony Ettorre was born July 20, 1922 In New York, NY. He grew up in South Beach, Staten Island. He was a member of the high school’s baseball team and graduated valedictorian of his class. He soon started working for the Long Island railroad and would continue to do so for a combined 41 years. His career as a conductor was interrupted for a short time when he was drafted into United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and returned to the railroad where he remained until his retirement. His experience was so expansive that he was even used as an expert witness during the investigation of train wrecks on other railroads. Working for the railroad became a family affair when his two sons followed in their father’s footsteps and became a conductor and engineer respectively.

When not on the railroad or with his family he could be found at the baseball field. His passion of the game motivated him to be more than just an armchair fan. He spent 45 years as an umpire 25 of them for the Patchogue Youth Athletic League. He watched many of the small players grow and have children of their own that he would in turn umpire as well. Tony stood steadfast to the calls that he made and gained the nickname “Tough Tony” and “Ironman.” Just like the railroad, Anthony inspired his sons (and later grandsons) to follow his passions. Both his sons and grandsons played in games that he umpired and they would in turn umpire for the next generation. Players would find three generations Ettorres behind the umpire’s mask during the baseball games. His dedication to the game was rewarded with the league naming a field after him.

Tony’s family credits his long life and vitality to remaining active. Anthony was never one to allow idle time to creep into his day. During his time with the railroad he also maintained a landscaping business. He would use his time in between train runs to mow grass and trim hedges. In addition to providing for his wife and children he also helped his in laws during their final years. Not only did he umpire little league but  he was an active mason for over fifty years. He was quick to get involved with the community and give back to those around him.

He met a girl named Cora Ockers when they were both fourteen years old. Cora was completely deaf from a childhood case of the measles and had to travel into the city from Long Island every day in order to attend a special school. Anthony had a best friend that was deaf that had taught him sign language. The same friend attended School with Cora and introduced the two. They married shortly after graduation and he was a faithful husband to her for 65 years until her passing. He is survived by their six children, Sandra Sembler and Husband Ed of Smyrna, NC, Karen D’aurizo and Husband Tom of Patchogue, NY, Susan Monaco, of Patchogue, NY, Cora Ettorre, of Smyrna, NC, Paul Ettorre and wife Sandra of Pachogue, NY, and John Ettorre and wife Kerry of Patchogue, NY. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.