Long Island Soccer Coach Pasquale De Luca’s Death Leaves a Lasting Impact on Soccer Community
Long Island mourns a soccer icon who dedicated his life to the game.
July 15, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 15, 2026
Pasquale De Luca’s death reminds many of his lifelong commitment to soccer and community.
Long Island’s soccer community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, Pasquale De Luca, who passed away on the morning of July 13, 2026, at the age of 88.
His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated not just to the sport of soccer but to the people who played it.
Pasquale De Luca was a towering figure in Long Island soccer, known not only for his involvement with the Forest Park Soccer Club but also for his contributions to the Long Island Soccer Football League.
A member of the league’s Hall of Fame, De Luca had the distinguished honor of having the league’s Over-50 Cup named after him — a lasting symbol of his dedication to the game and its community.
News of his passing was shared by Vincent Treglia, trustee of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, who paid heartfelt tribute to De Luca on Facebook.
“Long Island soccer lost a true gentleman of the game,” Treglia .
He went on to recall how De Luca’s leadership of the Forest Park Soccer Club was never about chasing wins alone; it was about fostering respect, opportunity, and community.
“Pasquale ensured that every player was given an opportunity. He never asked a player for a cent. He paid for registration fees, uniforms — whatever it took to get you to the field.”
Treglia’s tribute reflected the sentiment of many who crossed paths with De Luca.
“He encouraged me to keep pushing, to be better, but above all, to show the game the respect it deserves because the friendships and bonds on the field last a lifetime off the field.”
The Forest Park Soccer Club also released a statement mourning their founder’s passing.
“His impact on thousands of soccer players on Long Island will never be forgotten,” they wrote, inviting those who knew him to share their photos and stories in his memory.
Tributes poured in from across the local soccer landscape.
Eastern New York State Soccer Association president Peter Pinori described De Luca as “a real gentleman that spoke with his actions,” while Donato Cellucci of N.Y. Hota/Bavarians echoed the sentiment, calling De Luca “a real and sincere person” whose absence will be deeply felt.
Former players like Dan Giorgi highlighted the profound influence De Luca had on fostering lifelong friendships through the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere he cultivated at Forest Park.
“For everything he did for players and the community. I have some lifelong friends because of the atmosphere Pasquale created. May he rest in peace.”
Beyond the soccer field, De Luca’s greatest legacy remains his family.
He is survived by his wife, his children — Antonio, Denise (Charles Staufenberg), Francesco (Dana), and Roberto (Maria) — and his grandchildren Jenna, Anthony, Julia, Ava, Pasquale, Massimiliano, and Isabella.
His surviving sisters include Maria, Ida, Lidia, Lina, Rosina, Lilianna, and Noe, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Pasquale De Luca will take place at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home in Glen Cove, N.Y., on Wednesday, July 16, from 3-5 p.m. and again from 7-9 p.m.
A Mass will be held at the Church of St. Rocco on Thursday, July 17, at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Locust Valley Cemetery.
Pasquale De Luca’s passing leaves a void not only in the hearts of his family and friends but in the entire Long Island soccer community that he helped shape for decades.
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