Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app.
The Miller Place community is coping today with the death of popular youth sports administrator Matthew “Matt” LoNigro.
Heartfelt tributes poured in across social media to LoNigro, an influential figure in Long Island lacrosse for many years. Post after post describes LoNigro as a “gentleman,” “a role model” and “great person,” among many other tributes.
“Our entire Community has been impacted with the tragic loss of our friend Matthew LoNigro,” reads a post today on the Miller Place Lacrosse Facebook page. “We are all speechless and devastated by the untimely passing of one of the most beloved members of our community.
“We are asking for your thoughts and prayers for Matt’s family while they try to process this horrible tragedy,” the post continued.
Matt Schombrg described LoNigro as “an incredible human who influenced and helped” many people and families.
“Your generosity and selflessness was unparalleled,” Schomburg posted on Facebook. “You taught me Soo much at your desk you told me incredible stories from your younger days that made us cry with laughter.”
Christine Chidichimo-Donofrio remembered LoNigro “as a man that gave his all to our youth and to our community.”
“He has touched so many lives with his short time on this earth,” she added.
LoNigro’s nephew Ric Longo further stressed how important family and community were to his uncle.
“Matt had swagger, he spoke directly and cared so deeply for his family and community,” Longo said in a post. “He really believed in people and wisely spent his time watering those seeds.”
LoNigro and his wife Julia have two children, Abby and Matt Jr. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
Top photo: A 2017 photo of Matthew LoNigro and his daughter (Facebook).
