Sal Rapaglia, who was Eastern New York State Soccer Association president for an unprecedented 45 years, passed away on Monday.

He was 84.

Rapaglia earned two top honors from U.S. Soccer. In 2006, he was awarded the Werner Fricker Builder's Award, the highest accolade that the U.S. Soccer can bestow upon an individual. Last year he was named a Lifetime Member of U.S. Soccer, which is the highest honor awarded by the National Council and given to individuals who have made significant contributions in promoting soccer in the United States.

A long-time Staten Island, N.Y. resident, Rapaglia also is a member of the ENYSSA Hall of Fame.

"The Eastern New York State Soccer Association mourns the profound loss of our longtime President and dear friend, Sal Rapaglia," ENYYSA said on its website. "Sal was more than a leader - he was the heart and soul of our organization, a man whose unwavering dedication to the game shaped generations of players, coaches, referees, and administrators throughout the state and beyond.

"Sal brought with him not only a love for the game but also a spirit of inclusion and leadership that changed the trajectory of soccer in our region. For over four decades as ENYSSA resident, he led with kindness, humility, and strength, always focused on growing the game and opening doors for those who wished to play it. Under his leadership, Eastern New York Soccer expanded to welcome new leagues, communities, and champions.

"Sal was not just a president; he was our mentor, our advocate, and our friend. We are heartbroken by his passing, but deeply grateful for the decades of wisdom, passion, and leadership he gave to all of us.

"We honor his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about-advancing the game, building our community, and ensuring that soccer in Eastern New York remains strong, united, and full of opportunity for all.

"Rest in peace, Sal. Your legacy will forever guide our path."

Other tributes were following in as well.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sal Rapaglia, a true pioneer and leader in the world of soccer," said Rocco Avallone, Long Island Soccer Football League president and ENYYSA third vice president. "His dedication to the Eastern New York State Soccer Association and his unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport in New York have left an indelible mark on the soccer community. Sal was more than just a leader - he was a mentor, a guiding force, and an inspiration to countless individuals across the USSF, United States Adult Soccer Association, and Eastern New York. His passion for the game and his ability to bring people together made him a tremendous friend to the Long Island Soccer Football League and beyond. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he mentored and the countless lives he touched. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire soccer community. May his contributions continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Sal. You will be truly missed."

The soccer community mourned Rapaglia's passing on Facebook:

•             "Sal, the greatest soccer mentor and friend I had. Will miss you.  R.I.P," ENYSSA treasurer Mario Treglia said. "A monumental loss for the soccer community in the U.S.A."

•              "My condolences to his family and friends," David Harris said.  "Legend of New York soccer."

•              "R.I.P. soccer lost another great man," Burt Wilkes said.

•              "May his memory be eternal" Anthony Roros said.

•              "He was so kind to me when I was in NYC. RIP sir!" Lisa Perry said.

Born in Sicily, Italy, Rapaglia emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15. He played with the famed Brooklyn Italians (then known as Palermo SC), before moving up the ladder as a coach and then as president of the Italian-American Soccer League.

He stepped down from that post in 1979 to become president of ENYSSA. Except for a two-year term as the ENYSSA general secretary, Rapaglia has held that position for 45 years.

Under Rapaglia's direction, the state association developed Offerman Park in Brooklyn, N.Y. into the 10-field Verrazano Narrows Complex. With a new wave of immigrants entering the country in the 1980s and 1990s, Rapaglia and Eastern New York welcomed Hispanic and Latino teams and leagues to create a more diverse state association. Rapaglia and ENYSSA also expanded the number of women's leagues in its membership. He also found time to create and be commissioner of the Northeast Super Soccer League.

Rapaglia also created and was commissioner of the Northeast Super Soccer League and has served on several U.S. Soccer Federation committees through the years.

His last public appearance at a soccer event came at the Sal Rapaglia Cup, which was named in his honor, on Randall's Island last summer.

Rapaglia's wife, Ann, passed away in 2016.

He is survived by his son Sandy and Salvatore Jr.

 

Funeral / Visiting Arrangements:

 

Thursday 4/24/25 - 5 pm to 9PM

 

Funeral Mass at 

Our Lady help of Christians (Roman Catholic Church)

7396 Amboy Road 

Staten Island NY 10307

 

Friday 4/25/25 - 2PM to 5PM and 6PM to 9PM

 

Please note that we will be in a small room Thursday Evening 

There will be much more room on Friday in the funeral home

Bedel-Pizzo Funeral Home 

7447 Amboy Rd

Staten Island NY 10307

Phone 718 984 013

 

Saturday 4/26/24 at 10:30 am 

Internment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery