Carl Varone

Induction Year: 1999

Category: XC, Basketball, Baseball

Location: Sayville and Brentwood

Carmine “Carl” Joseph Varone was born in Massachusetts in 1920 to Henry Varone and Minnie Rocco. Henry, an Italian immigrant who arrived in America in 1905, later married the daughter of another Italian immigrant. Together, they settled on Atlantic Avenue in West Sayville, where Henry operated a small barber shop, gas pump, and candy store on Main Street—an early gathering place in the growing West Sayville community.

Their son Carl would spend nearly his entire life on the South Shore. He attended Sayville schools, where he quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete. A natural competitor with a deep sense of teamwork and community pride, Carl played on numerous school and local teams and was a member of Sayville High School’s 1937 baseball championship team. Baseball and basketball were his standout sports, though he seemed to excel at anything that involved collaboration and commitment. He graduated from Sayville High School in 1939.

Following graduation, Carl worked at Republic Aviation until World War II called him into service. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the South Pacific throughout the war, returning home in 1946. Like many veterans of his generation, he took full advantage of the G.I. Bill, continuing his employment at Republic while attending Long Island University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, English, and Education, and also played on the Republic’s company baseball team. With teaching positions scarce at the time, Carl remained at Republic for several more years.

In 1953, Carl began his formal education career with the Brentwood School District, where he taught and coached for three years. He later earned his advanced degree from Fordham University. In 1957, he joined the Sayville School District as a business teacher, a position he held for more than 25 years.

During his years in Sayville, Carl became deeply immersed in community life. He was actively involved in the Sayville Little League, St. Lawrence’s CYO sports program, the Sayville Chamber of Commerce, and many other local organizations. His Work Experience Program became especially impactful, helping countless students find meaningful employment during and after high school.

As a coach, Carl left an enduring legacy. He guided Sayville’s junior varsity basketball and baseball teams, but his greatest success came in cross country. Under his leadership, Sayville won 11 league championships, four county championships, and the 1971 New York State Championship. His lifelong contributions to athletics and education earned him numerous local honors, including induction into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame.

Carl retired from Sayville High School in 1982, but retirement never slowed him down. He opened a shoe store on Main Street in Sayville with his son and operated it for many years, remaining a familiar and respected presence in the community.

Carmine “Carl” Varone was truly a force in Sayville—an athlete, coach, teacher, businessman, and mentor whose influence touched generations. Those who knew him remember his kindness, gentleness, determination, and unwavering belief in young people. His philosophy was simple and powerful: “If you get enough kids believing they’re winners, you’re a winner as a coach.” He often reflected, “If there is a heaven anywhere aside from heaven, then coaching and teaching in Sayville have been that.”