A turf field at Seaman’s Neck Park in Seaford was recently named in honor of the late Councilman Christopher Carini, who dedicated his time in office to championing park and infrastructure improvements for Town of Hempstead residents.
He served as councilman for the town’s 5th Councilmanic District, which includes Bellmore, Freeport, Lido Beach, Merrick, Point Lookout, Seaford, and Wantagh and, since 2020. He died unexpectedly on July 14, 2024, while visiting family in Florida at the age of 49.
The dedication ceremony, held on the baseball turf field on Oct. 19, brought together friends and family of the late councilman. Elected officials, Beyond the Badge NY, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce and members of law enforcement. The Seaford Little League and the Seaford Broncos, a football and cheerleading organization that competes in the Nassau County Youth Football League, were also in attendance.
Carini’s wife, Danielle, and their son, Joey, unveiled the sign hanging above home plate that read “Councilman Chris Carini Field.” Joey, 13, has played in the Seaford Little League and for the Broncos since kindergarten. Danielle called it “an honor” to have a field in his name and said she was happy to see the community come together to celebrate.
“He’d be so proud of this turnout and that kids will be able to play on this field for years to come,” she said.
Carini, a Seaford resident, was involved with local sports, having coached both the Seaford Little League and the Seaford Broncos. Supervisor John Ferretti called Carini a “dedicated public servant” who had an “immeasurable” impact on the community.
“Chris did so much for the Seaford community,” Ferretti said. “When kids and parents come here to enjoy America’s pastime, they’ll see Chris’s name, and his legacy of serving the community will live on.”
“He helped make this happen,” Christopher Roth, president of the Seaford Little League, said of the turf field. “He was an amazing supporter of the Seaford Little League.”
Councilman Chris Schneider, who was sworn in to fill Carini’s seat and won election to retain it last year, said the naming of the field was a “perfect” tribute to the late councilman.
“This is a place that he really loved being at,” Schneider said. “When I think of Chris Carini, I have good memories of him at Seaman’s Neck Park watching his son play baseball.”
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, a friend of Carini said providing safe places for kids to play was one of Carini’s passions as a councilman.
“To see this field — that he fought so hard to improve — dedicated in his honor is a fitting tribute to him,” Rhoads said. “It’s a reminder to all of us of what public service is about: making our community better.”
Carini had a long career in public service, including more than two decades in law enforcement with the NYPD, MTA, and Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey. A Seaford resident, he was involved in community safety, civic activities, and local quality-of-life initiatives.
After the ceremony, the Little League held an exhibition game on the field, with Danielle throwing the first pitch and her son Joey catching. A memorial sign with Carini’s biography was also unveiled on the fence leading to the ball field.
“Every time a child steps onto this field, and every time a family gathers here to cheer on a game, Chris’s legacy of public service and community involvement will live on,” Ferretti said.
