'He Always Puts The Kids First': Community Leader Vinny Cesarino Feted

PATCHOGUE, NY — Without community leaders, Patchogue wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Lisa Corideo, a Patchogue reader who nominated Vinny Cesarino.

How do you know the community leader?

Runs a PAL football league

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

He has proven himself over many years of commitment and dedication — not only in teaching football, but in teaching boys and girls dedication, respect, and to never give up! No matter what, these kids, to this day, still respect him and reach out to him many years later — even as they all have started their lives as adults

He has always put these kids first, brought some into his home to live when some children didn’t have a place to sleep /eat, etc. He not only runs PAL, he also coaches at St. John's from July to November. He devotes long hours, days and weekends, doing what he loves while always taking care of his family in between and working a full-time job.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

He would do anything to see these kids flourish into amazing football players — or just amazing young men and women.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Shouting out Community Leaders is simple.

Just fill out the simple form below — photos are appreciated — and we’ll do the rest with stories on Patch, so the whole neighborhood can celebrate what makes them special.

Click here to nominate a Community Leader.