The East Meadow Baseball Softball Association recently honored the life and legacy of longtime volunteer and coach Mel Kong, unveiling a memorial tree and plaque at the community’s ball fields. Family, friends, and community members gathered to share memories and celebrate his lasting impact.
Kong, born Aug. 10, 1971, was raised in Queens. He married his wife, Liz, in 2000, and the couple settled in East Meadow, and had three children — Ryan, Emily and Ashley.
The Kong family quickly became deeply rooted in the community. Liz has been an active member of the Parent Teacher Association, while Mel made a lasting impact through his involvement with the East Meadow Little League and other local initiatives that reflected their shared commitment to East Meadow.
Kong died unexpectedly on Jan. 31, 2025. He was 53.
Todd Weinstein, one of the organizers of the June 21 memorial tree and dedication ceremony, told attendees he first met Mel Kong on the fields of the East Meadow Soccer Club. No matter the sport — soccer, baseball, football, or cheerleading — Weinstein said Kong was always a proud parent, a constant supporter, and often a devoted coach or volunteer.
A coach, director, and board member of the East Meadow Baseball Softball Association for more than 15 years, Mel Kong wore many hats, from booking and paying umpires, to oversee registration and sign-ups, to helping with field maintenance.
“He was there early mornings, locked up at night, and took calls and texted all hours,” Weinstein said. “Mel was passionate and fighting for what he thought was right. Everyone knew Mel meant well.”
Kong’s son, Ryan, spoke about his commitment to him and his siblings’ passions.
“He was a loud, passionate guy,” Ryan said. “To some he was a coach, a boss, or a mentor — to me, he was my dad. He was my best friend. When I fell in love with baseball, there was nothing my dad wouldn’t do to share that connection with me.”
The memorial tree went into the ground in late-May and is in the center of the ball field complex off of Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. Renderings for a plaque were also shared. It will be installed later. It reads: “Rooted in love and kindness, this tree stands in tribute to Mel — a guiding coach in our community. May his spirit round the bases of our hearts, branching into every season to come.”
Community members also showed off a baseball with Kong’s signature on it, which was turned into an image and printed on T-shirts worn by many people attending the ceremony.
County Legislator Tom McKevitt, who also resides in East Meadow, said Kong was always on the move, going above and beyond for the community.
“We all miss Mel,” he said. “It’s a very bittersweet day. But what it’s showing you is the amazing impact he had on hundreds, even thousands of people in this community.”
Steve LaSala, commissioner of the East Meadow Baseball Softball Association, jokingly recounted that Kong would complain about tasks at hand, adding that this just truly reflected his level of care.
“He was so passionate about everything that he did,” LaSala said. “He was an amazing man. Anything I needed done; he would do it. I’d get a story — but he would do it.”
Donna Goldstein, a member of the Parent Teacher Association council in the East Meadow School District and a longtime friend of the Kong family, reflected on her years working alongside Liz and Mel. She highlighted Kong’s dedication to numerous community initiatives, including Community Day — a free annual event open to all East Meadow residents.
“He played such a significant role in the community,” Goldstein said, “leaving a lasting impact on all of us.”
Weinstein, at the conclusion of the ceremony, said Kong shaped the lives of everyone who knew him and inspired them to be the best version of themselves.
“Mel was more than just a coach,” Weinstein said. “He was a guiding light to so many young athletes, teaching not only the fundamentals of the sport, but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and respect. He believed in the potential of every child — his contributions were rooted in a genuine desire to make the world a better place.”
