Senate Resolution No. 3200
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Nicholas Modugno, longtime
former coach and teacher, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Modugno of White Plains, New York, died on
Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Modugno was born to Consiliga (DeBiase) and Rocco
Di Modugno on March 29, 1929, in Scarsdale, New York; an exceptional
athlete, he played baseball and graduated from Manhattan College with a
master's degree in education; he then played baseball professionally in
Europe before beginning his long and esteemed career as a physical
education teacher and coach at the Valhalla School District in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Nicholas Modugno was the coach for
the tennis, gymnastics and track and field teams; for his many
contributions and steadfast and unremitting commitment to his students
and community, the new track was named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Known to all as Mr. D or Coach D, Nicholas Modugno was much
more than a coach and a teacher, he was a friend and mentor to many and
touched thousands upon thousands of lives just by being himself; and
WHEREAS, Even after his retirement in 2000, after more than 40 years
of service, Nicholas Modugno continued to be an ever-present figure
within the Valhalla School District; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Modugno was a great man of faith and attended St.
John's Church and loved to spend time with his beloved family; he also
enjoyed music and taught himself to play the guitar and piano; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his twin brother John, Nicholas Modugno is
survived by one daughter, Diana Modugno; one son, James (Lynne) Modugno;
two grandchildren, Christina and Christopher; his former wife, Dorothy
Bennett; one sister, Lucy Mercer; two nieces, Connie and Janet; one
nephew, David; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Di Modugno; as well as
numerous former students, athletes and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Modugno was an outstanding educational leader
whose dedication and achievements were truly instrumental in developing
character and sportsmanship in youth, exemplifying the ideals and values
cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Nicholas Modugno leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Nicholas Modugno, longtime former coach and teacher,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Nicholas Modugno.
