Tony Curatolo, the beloved former coach of Staten Island and three-sport athlete, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.
Tony, the native of Rosebank, who was known by “Essy,” was fighting illness for numerous months; nontheless, he always had a passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes.
“At his age and despite his health, he loved coaching and teaching,” said Mike Friscia, his son-in-law.
The late coach also showed his grandson how to throw a perfect pitch on their trip to Clermont, Florida.
Essy was a graduate of New Dorp High School, who showed enormous talent in Football, Basketball, and Baseball.
He also earned All-City honors in football and baseball, helping Centrals to an impressive 8-0 season during his final year and had a 9-1 record in 1957, respectively.
Due to his athletic success, he signed with the New York Giants Organization, playing a season in the Rookie A ball league, with future MLB star Felipe Alou.
Then, he returned to his hometown, where he served for 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service.
Tony Was a Multi-Sport Coach
The late coach married his better-half, Mary Ann Cloke, and had eight children together. The couple also started coaching youth sports at St.Mary’s at the high school level.
He was not only a multi-sport athlete but also a multi-sport coach. Curatolo’s coaching career truly began at Notre Dame Academy, where he coached the varsity softball team for 35 years and the JV basketball squad for 14 seasons.
“Tony coached my daughter, Lisa Baglio, in softball at Notre Dame Academy and against her in basketball. He was always supportive and friendly no matter the sport or circumstance. He was a gift to Staten Island sports and to girls sports especially. I´m grateful to have known him and Maryann and thankful he was a part of Lisa´s sports experience. Rest in peace. My condolences to the family,” said a proud parent of Tony’s one of the students.
His team won multiple CHSAA Archdiocesan titles during the 1980s and the early 90s.
Curatolo was also announced as the head coach of the girls’ basketball team at St. Joseph Hill Academy, which marked his most successful tenure as a coach.
The Hilltoppers won five Island championships, three Archdiocesan crowns, and the 1993 New York State Federation B Championship.
He also conducted various coaching programs at St. John Villa and McKee/Staten Island Tech. Despite his competitive nature and busy schedule, he always had time for family.
“Family meant everything to him,” said his son John, who coached alongside his father for 14 years at the Hill. “Whether it was sports or just being together, he loved every moment with us.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tony was predeceased in his death by his wife, Ann Cloke, who lost her life in 2021, and his son, Robert, a brave firefighter who died during the WTC attack in 2001.
- He was inducted into New Dorp High School’s Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
- He also coached 14 Advance All Stars and eight 1000-point scorers.
