Jack Abrams STEM Rotunda to be Dedicated to Alum Architect

The Huntington School Board will gather along with district officials and residents in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School rotunda on Monday (August 4) at 6:30 p.m. to dedicate the space in honor of 1941 Huntington High School alum Alfred DiGiacomo, who served as the architect for the entire Urban Renewal building project in the 1960s.

A plaque permanently affixed to the wall will be unveiled formally dedicating the Alfred DiGiacomo Rotunda. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony.

The wording on the dedication plaque reads:

“This Rotunda is dedicated to Alfred DiGiacomo, a Huntington born and bred Architect who designed and oversaw the construction of this school.

“Alfred DiGiacomo was born in 1922 and raised at 19 Railroad Street in Huntington Station. He began kindergarten at Roosevelt School in 1928 and graduated from Huntington High School in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1942 and was assigned to overseas duty in October 1943. Al fought in WW II and was honorably discharged in November 1945. In 1946 he began his studies in architecture and began to work as an architectural draftsman. In 1961 he became a licensed architect. In 1969 he became Suffolk County Architect, responsible for the design and construction of all County buildings.

“Al DiGiacomo designed more than 50 buildings during his career on Long Island, including schools, churches, firehouses and retail stores. His designs for schools included Islip High School, Walt Whitman High School, R.K. Toaz Junior High School, North Babylon Junior/Senior High School and the Huntington Elementary School.

“The Huntington Elementary School project was always near and dear to him. Constructed in 1968-69 not far from his home at 117 Olive St, he was regularly onsite holding meetings and overseeing construction. The school stands near the former site of Roosevelt Elementary School, which was demolished in 1967. Huntington Elementary has many unique features, including the rotunda, a fixed seat auditorium, and a large courtyard with an amphitheater.

“In 1980 Alfred moved to Ithaca, NY to assume the position of Senior Architect at Cornell University. He retired from Cornell in 1993. He left an indelible architectural legacy on the Huntington School District, Long Island, and Cornell University.”

In his 13 years at Cornell, he oversaw the design and construction of numerous projects on campus including the Geological Sciences Building, Biotechnology Building, the townhouse apartment complexes, Schwartz Performing Arts Center, Snee Hall, Akwe:kon House and the Uris Library addition. He also completed his own designs for the university including the Willard Straight Ivy Room and terrace.

Mr. DiGiacomo retired from Cornell in 1993 and continued to live a full life. He wrote five books, including “A Soldier’s Diary” and “American Bread.” He made presentations on his experience in World War II at Ithaca High School.

The Huntington High School alum is remembered for his fierce independence and love of music, photography, gadgets, books and storytelling. He passed away on June 27, 2021 at the age of 98.