Vigil To Honor Memory Of Whitman Teacher, Wrestling Coach

The South Huntington community will be holding a candlelight vigil for Walt Whitman teacher and wrestling coach Vincent Altebrando who passed away on Friday, April 20.

Altebrando, of Miller Place, was 51 years old.

"Our collective hearts are broken by the loss of this remarkable educator, mentor, parent, and friend, and our school community wants desperately to honor the memory of our fallen brother," South Huntington UFSD administrators, said in a statement.

A candlelight vigil will be held on Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. in honor of Altebrando's legacy. The vigil will include a short walk that replicates a portion of Altebrando's daily run. Participants will gather in the North Gym.

"Mr. Altebrando dedicated his heart and soul to the students, staff, and families of our community, serving these last 25 years as a teacher, coach, colleague, mentor, and friend in our schools," School officials said in a statement. "Coach Altebrando represented all that is great about teaching and his life‘s work created a ripple effect that will be felt by children and their families for generations to come."

Visitation for Altebrando will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place, located at 551 Route 25A in Miller Place. Funeral service will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Louis de Montfort R.C. Church, located on 75 New York Ave. in Sound Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Vincent Altebrando to: Miller Place High School Athletic Program: 7 Memorial Dr. Miller Place, NY 11764. Checks to be made out to Miller Place School District Or Walt Whitman High School Athletic Program: 60 Weston St. Huntington Station, NY 11746.

Patch photo