Founder Of Northport Soccer Club, 'Lifelong Advocate' For Soccer, Dies

NORTHPORT, NY — The founder of what is now known as Northport Cow Harbor United Soccer Club, John Perciballi, died last week at age 81. The Northport resident is remembered by friends and family for his dedication to the sport, which helped bring soccer to young people in Northport beginning in 1976.

That was the year Perciballi founded the Cow Harbor Soccer Club, his daughter Jennifer Perciballi told Patch. The club still exists and is now called Northport Cow Harbor United.

Perciballi served as president of the Northport Youth Center Soccer Club before creating and heading the Cow Harbor Soccer Club. He also enjoyed coaching his childrens' Cow Harbor travel soccer teams, his daughter said, and continuing coaching after his own children left for college.

Up until his passing, he was the president of the Men's (Over 40) Soccer League of Long Island. He was inducted to the Long Island Junior Soccer League's Hall of Fame in 2003 for his service to the sport.

Perciballi is survived by his wife, Norma Gaye Perciballi, a retired elementary school teacher from the Northport school district. The two were married for 58 years and had three children: Stephen, Susan and Jennifer. He is also survived by six grandchildren.