Kings Park Hometown Hero Memorialized At Ballpark

COMMACK, NY — The Kings Park community gathered at Flynn Memorial Ballpark to pay tribute to hometown hero and softball legend, Christopher Revere Sr., with heartfelt words, shared memories, and the unveiling of a new memorial sign at Lawrence Field on Aug. 14, the Town of Smithtown announced.

Friends, family, teammates, and town officials ensured that Chris’ name, spirit, and sacrifice will forever remain etched in the story of Kings Park.

"It is fitting that here, at Flynn Memorial Ballpark, we gather to honor another one of Kings Park’s bravest sons," Supervisor Ed Wehrheim stated. "This ball field already bears the name of Danny Flynn, who gave his life serving our nation in Vietnam. And now, alongside Danny’s legacy, we etch the name of another hometown hero — Christopher Revere Sr. into the heart of our community. Today’s ceremony is just one small way we keep that promise, ensuring Chris’ name, his spirit, and his service remain a permanent part of Kings Park’s story."

Town officials including Councilman Tom McCarthy, Councilwoman Lynne Nowick, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, and Town Clerk Tom McCarthy stood with Wehrheim, alongside Chris’ parents, Delores and Joe Revere, his son, Chris Jr., a sea of friends and family members, the Smithtown Parks Department, Smithtown Recreation, fellow players from the Smithtown Patriots, Silver Streaks, Brookhaven Cardinals, former FDNY softball teammates and members of the Kings Park Volunteer Fire Department.

In a fitting tribute, after the ceremony, the Patriots went on to win both games of their double-header, carrying Chris’ spirit with them onto the field.

Smithtown Patriots Team Manager Richard Cluxton reflected on Chris's passion for the game and his unwavering presence as a teammate.

"Chris was more than a player, he was the heart of our team," Cluxton said.

The Patriots gave honorary jerseys to the Revere Family, which proudly adorn a patch on the sleeve with Chris’s name embroidered below a tribute logo. The entire team wore the custom jerseys to close out the season, keeping Chris a part of league legacy indefinitely.

Chris’s son, Christopher Revere Jr., closed out the ceremony, sharing laughs and warm memories that painted a picture of a father whose devotion stretched from the diamond to the home.

Remembering Chris Revere

Chris Revere’s life was defined by service above self. A proud FDNY firefighter, he dedicated his days to protecting others, both in uniform and in the community. He is fondly remembered for his love for family, service, and softball. Affectionately known as "Tic Tac Chris" for carrying a box of mints as he raced around the bases, he became a staple in local leagues, from Over-40 play to his beloved Smithtown Patriots in the Senior Softball program.

Chris Revere faced his greatest battle with extraordinary courage, enduring multiple rare cancers directly tied to his selfless service during the rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and the Fresh Kills Landfill.

There, he devoted countless hours to the painstaking work of sifting through debris in hopes of returning loved ones to grieving families. His unwavering commitment and sacrifice extended far beyond the call of duty, leaving a legacy of honor and compassion that cannot be overstated.

"To those who knew him, Revere was more than a dedicated firefighter — he was the embodiment of excellence," the town wrote. "Whether behind the wheel of a fire engine, on the nozzle in the midst of a dangerous blaze, or sharing in the camaraderie of a softball game, Revere approached every role with heart, precision, and pride. He refused to settle for anything less than his best, a standard he carried into every facet of his life — as a firefighter, a teammate, a husband, and dad."

The new sign was then unveiled at the backstop of Lawrence Field, now bearing Chris Revere’s name as a permanent reminder of a man whose life embodied service, sacrifice, and love of the game.

"Just as the ball complex honors Danny Flynn’s sacrifice, Kings Park now proudly carries forward the legacy of another of its bravest sons," the town stated.