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Anthony James Macaluso of East Moriches died on May 25. He was 74.
Born on February 23, 1942, in Oceanside, he was the son of Sicilian immigrant Mario and Katherine Macaluso. He spent his early childhood in Baldwin before moving to East Moriches. A star baseball catcher and graduate of Center Moriches High School, he would later attend New York State College for Teachers, Albany. At Albany, Mr. Macaluso played outfield for the varsity baseball team, and graduated with a degree in education, while also receiving an invitation for a tryout with the Milwaukee Braves.
Soon after college, Mr. Macaluso met Karen Christensen from Southold. They married in 1966 and resided in East Moriches, where they raised a family. In 1965, Mr. Macaluso was hired by the Hampton Bays School District, where he spent his career as a sixth-grade math and social studies teacher. He was fond of his current events quizzes to ensure his students were paying attention to what was going on in the world. He took great pride in the future successes of his students, many of whom he still stayed in touch with or often saw around town.
A strong advocate of community service and volunteering, Mr. Macaluso was a former member of the local Lions Club, a referee for the local girls kickball league, and an active member of the East Moriches Fire Department, where he served for 55 years. He served 46 years as secretary/treasurer for the fire department, and was awarded the prestigious Firefighter of the Year award in both 1978 and 2015. The firehouse was his second home and its members were an extension of his family, survivors said.
During the summers, he worked as head bartender in the grill room of the Westhampton Country Club for more than four decades. He was well known and loved among the membership and fellow staff, and enjoyed being part of the many good times there.
Mr. Macaluso’s passion was fishing with family and friends aboard his 22-foot FL Tripp boat, behind which he loved to drag umbrella rigs in the ocean and Moriches Bay, in search of bluefish and striped bass. Other hobbies included golf, World War II history, growing vegetables and watching the Dodgers, Islanders, and Giants football.
Mr. Macaluso was predeceased by a nephew, Steven Okorn. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen (Christensen); a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Frank Okorn of Flushing; a brother-in-law, John Christensen and wife Joan of Nevada; two daughters, Melissa Lusczek and husband James of Virginia, Kara Earley and husband Ken of Virginia; and a son, Peter and wife Nicole of North Bellmore; four grandchildren; two nephews and two nieces.
Funeral services were arranged by the Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.
Memorial donations may be made to the East Moriches Fire Department Benevolent Association, Box 727, East Moriches, NY 11940.
on Aug 22, 2016