Gus M. Alfieri
December 2, 1936 ~ January 1, 2024
Born in:
Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Smithtown, New York
August Michael Alfieri (Gus) passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2024 at the age of 87. He is predeceased by his parents, August and Jennie, as well as his brothers, Frank, Ben, John & Dominic. He is survived by his wife Janet; his children Ron, Suzanne, Jill and David; his son-in-law Rich; his daughter-in-law Mayara, his grandchildren Terrie, Steve, Kevin, Chrissy, Alessandra, Ashleigh, Shawn, Taylor and Gabbie and his great-granddaughter Luna.
Gus worked for decades as a US History teacher at Hicksville High School, coached the varsity basketball team at St. Anthony’s HS and started the All American Basketball Camp in 1969 which still runs today. He was honored to be inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame, the St. John’s University Hall of Fame and the St. Anthony’s High School Hall of Fame. Additionally, the basketball court will forever be inscribed as the “Gus Alfieri Court.”
He is the author of two books, “Lapchick”, a biography of his college coach and basketball legend Joe Lapchick, and “The Heart of A Champion”, a book about Long Island basketball and his State Championship winning team in 1974.
Gus will be missed by his family and the entire basketball community of Long Island.
Services
Visitation: January 4, 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Second Visitation: January 5, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Third Visitation: January 5, 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Gus M. Alfieri 's name.
My condolences to the family. Gus was a good friend and St. Cecilia classmate.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear this. Gus was a special person
Gus was not only a Coach for the Ages, but more importantly, he will be always remembered by me and my family as a truly special person of tremendous character and a heart of gold.
God Bless Gus and may the Angels lead you home to the best hardwood ever imagined!
Kevin, Maureen & Hannah McLaughlin”
We are saddened to learn of his passing. Although we knew him only briefly we developed a deep fondness for him and respect for his many accomplishments.. he was a very good person and so willing to reach out and help others. We are grateful for having the opportunity to know him.
Our deepest condolences to his family. He will remain in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. May God Bless his soul.
Fran and Joe Parisi.
Gus ran clinics for CYO coaches when I was Executive Director of CYO. Many of the CYO coaches went to Gus’ basketball camps in their youth and taught their kids the same drills they learned from Gus. They all loved Gus. Gus was a true Apostolic Athlete! “Well done true and faithful servant!”
Gus was an incredible person who inspired and helped students believe in themselves. He was a truly gifted person and Coach. We are blessed to have crossed paths with this amazing person. Sending prayers to the family.
A man of whom I have fond memories. My condolences to the Alfieri family.
My condolences to the entire Alfieri family for your loss .
I never had the chance to work with coach alfieri . I ran high school track and cross country on long island in the early 80s . My cousin Forte worked at at ford hs in brooklyn for ages .
Ron gave me my first job as a track coach at St John the Baptist back in the spring of 1988. From that point on every interaction with coaches , fans and athletes in the catholic school league were stories of positive interactions with coach alfieri and the camps
I m sure there will be some laughing and crying mixed together as stories are told and memories flood back . He ll be remembered .
Can’t even begin to explain how much Coach has always meant to me. From the time I was in junior high and attended his camp till the time I was in high school and competed against him till the time I got out of college and communicated with him on a regular basis. He was always there and he was the best! RIP Coach!
May God Bless Gus. We loved him and will miss him
Jill, Dave and Ron and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your mom. Knowing you and knowing your dad in so many different aspects of life: School, basketball, coaching fraternity, treating his house for bugs, and letting my two daughters play with boys when they were in elementary school at his world, renowned camp has etched him in my life story. I’m probably not alone in stating that he had that way of influencing people, in many many ways. I’m sorry I cannot attend the services because I am in Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take solace in this…he will always be remembered as a great man.
Gus was a one of a kind gentleman and teacher. Sorry for your families loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
My basketball career started when I was in the seventh grade and went to the all American game. His lectures made the game real and getting to play with other players with the same passion. Changed my life and made basketball my life. Thank
Gus was my JV Basketball Coach at Hicksville HS in the late 1960s and a friend for life. I remember attending the All American Basketball Camp (one of his first) and receiving positive encouragement and effective coaching at camp and during our season. I kept in touch in touch with Gus over the years even though our family relocated to North Carolina. My family was able to visit Gus, Janet and family in Smithtown on a trip to Long Island and Gus was sure to send my two children home with brand new sneakers. Later, Gus and Janet visited my wife, Mary and I on a trip to North Carolina to research one of his books. I still remember him joking about taking Exit 123 from I-40 to get on US 321 to get to our home in Blowing Rock. I was honored when he asked me to comment on an early manuscript of the Heart of a Champion. I could go on forever but in the end what is important is to remember Gus as a great coach and an even better person. Doug Galke, Blowing Rock, NC
My sons were so lucky to meet Gus at the All American Basketball Camp when they were younger. He guided them both and enouraged my son, Luke, as he grew as a basketball player. His book is on my son’s bookshelf, as Luke is so grateful to have met him. I enjoyed speaking to Gus during the summers that my sons played basketball at the camp. You truly don’t meet many wonderful people like Gus in your life that are positive role models and so supportive of growth.
The Telesco Family will always hold a special place in our hearts and are truly saddened by this tremendous loss. He touched many lives and that is priceless.
Rick, DIna, Luke, Jake and Amelia Telesco
So saddened to hear the news of Gus’ passing.
Will miss our occasional brunches and our Red Storm chats. Gus was a dynamic, charismatic person who
Enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to
Know him. Spending the winter in North Carolina so
Unfortunately will miss his services. Loving & consoling thoughts to Janet, Jill & entire Alfieri family.
Gus was a great coach I played basketball at st doms what had great games against each other rest in peace coach
May a great competitor rest in peace
Gus Alfieri was a great teacher of history and also about life and the world. He humbly lived his Catholic faith and set a strong and quiet example. God bless his soul and his family and may be rest in peace.
Great memories of coach at All America Camp. Coach made quite an impression to a young CYO hoop player trying to get better! Rest in Peace Gus. Condolences to Ronnie and family.