Booster Club Honors a Lifetime Blue Devil
The Huntington Booster Club scored a hole-in-one at the group’s first golf outing and dinner, which honored former Blue Devil great Charlie Forte. The festive affair at the Crab Meadow Golf Club raised tens of thousands of dollars to support student-athlete programs.
The event attracted about 125 golfers and a dinner crowd of more than 200, which jammed into the clubhouse for an evening of reminiscing, friendship and fun. Past and current Blue Devil coaches were sprinkled among the audience, which included former Huntington athletic director and coaching legend Al Donofrio, former Mets great Buddy Harrelson, famous columnist Ed Lowe, two sitting judges and various school officials.
Mr. Forte was a three-sport star at Huntington High School, leaving a legacy that still inspires awe more than 50 years later. Following his 1956 graduation, he went on to enjoy a standout career at Wake Forest University. After signing with the New York Mets organization, he was rising through the ranks and headed to the Major Leagues when a combination of injuries and a U.S. Army commitment dashed his dreams.
A perfect picture day greeted golfers who had a blast playing 18 holes while simultaneously renewing friendships forged long ago. Huntington Booster Club officer Mary Anne Hicks, who coordinated the organizing of the event, was more than pleased with the how the day turned out. “I thought it went great,” she said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
Family and friends spoke about what Mr. Forte has meant to them personally, how his skilled play helped make the Blue Devils champions during his high school years and how he continues to influence lives and give back to the community he has longed called home. Assemblyman James Conte presented a huge framed state proclamation.
“When it comes to speaking about our father you cannot be short of words,” Mr. Forte’s son, Chuck told the dinner crowd. “There is not a more trustworthy, respectful, honest person than our dad. He has taught us values that no one else could teach us. First and foremost, his family is number one in his heart and mind. His support and encouragement is part of his everyday life for each and every one of us. There is nothing that he would not do for us at any given time.” The same goes for his alma mater.
Judge Jerry Asher, a longtime friend since their days together at Huntington High School, extolled the virtues of Mr. Forte during a touching speech that provided the crowd with a glimpse of what it was like to be a Blue Devil during the 1950’s. “It was a golden era,” Mr. Asher said.
Mr. Forte repeatedly thanked guests individually for coming to the affair and asked that cameras be pointed toward his grandchildren, not him. During much of the evening his arms were around those same grandchildren or they were sitting in his lap or at his feet. Several times he was moved to near tears by the heartfelt words offered in testimony to his friendship and generosity.
Following the end of his athletic career in 1963, Mr. Forte taught and coached at Huntington High School. He left the district in 1971 to join Posillico, Inc. and today serves as a senior vice president with the large construction company. Yet, he continues to be spotted in the bleachers and on the sidelines at Blue Devil games.
The Huntington Booster Club has become one of the most active organizations in the school community and continues to pursue an ambitious agenda of enhancing the Blue Devil athletic program at both J. Taylor Finley Middle School and the high school.
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