I would like to publicly pay tribute to, and say goodbye to a good friend of our Farmingdale youth. On Dec. 27, Tom Fusaro suddenly and tragically passed away; many, many years too soon. Many of you who have teens playing baseball, softball or basketball in Farmingdale at one time or another probably called Tom "Coach." He spent many patient hours with our children, teaching them skills of the game and values for life. Tom was warm and genuine, funny and kind, vibrant and uncompromising in his beliefs. He was there for countless hours of picture days, registration days, parade days, meetings, special events - wherever he was needed - he would be there-no questions or complaints. He enjoyed his time with our children and could often be found at the park, just to watch a ball game and share an encouraging word or two. I was lucky not only to be able to call him "Coach" but to also call him friend; as did many others whose lives he touched. We will miss his easy smile and I can't imagine beginning a baseball season without him. Our gratitude should go to his family for sharing Tom with so many of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Tom was special and we will never, ever forget him.

-Amy Seibert