By Mary Malloy
The same words were offered over and over again about Frank Umowski: "honorable," "spirited," "giving." With those encomiums in mind, the Herald is proud to name Umowski, a longtime Lynbrook resident, its Person of the Year.
Umowski, 63, has been involved in the Lynbrook Little League for more than 25 years. Serving at various times as a coach and manager, he has sat on the league's board for 22 years, and been its president and vice president as well.
"He has made the league what it is today," said Dave Smollett, the league's current vice president and a friend of Umowski's for more than 20 years. "He is the ultimate giver. He's always there for the kids."
"Frank was a solid coach," said Michael Monahan, 31, a former Lynbrook Little Leaguer who now lives in California. "We were always prepared for our games. He was a friendly guy but could be tough when he had to be. We had a good team." Monahan added, "He was fair to all of the players. He would always give you the benefit of the doubt."
One of Umowski's most notable accomplishments is the annual Lynbrook Community Night at Shea Stadium, held each of the past three years. Attended by more than 1,800 children and adults, the evening brings together a variety of local groups and organizations, and awards are presented on the field. The night instills participants with a sense of excitement, fun and community spirit.
Umowski has lived in Lynbrook with his wife, Jackie, for 37 years. They met when Frank worked at the Long Island City post office, and Jackie came in with her company's mail. He eventually transferred to the Kennedy Airport post office, and retired 10 years ago after 35 years of service. These days he works part-time at Picker Pharmacy on Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook, and enjoys trips to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut with his wife.
"He's the organizer of his events, but I'm the organizer at home," said Jackie. "He likes to be a leader. and he's good at it." She said that his favorite pastime now is being a grandfather. "He is a good father, and a wonderful grandfather," she said. The Umowskis have two children, Frank Jr. and Phillip, and four grandchildren.
Through the years, Umowski has been involved with the Lynbrook Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. And as a member and former chairman of the Lynbrook Recreation Commission, he has initiated and guided such programs as the mayor's golf outing, the Easter and winter celebrations and the commission's many sports programs, including soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, flag football, and hockey - as well as various school-sponsored activities.
Lou Miccio, 81, said that recognition for his friend is long overdue. "He's has done so much for the children ... he's a great guy," Miccio said, explaining that he has known Umowski for just seven years, but had heard of him long before they met. "His reputation preceded him," Miccio said. "He is an outstanding individual. He ran buses for people who can't drive to the annual night at Shea Stadium ... I just can't say enough about him."
Last summer, Umowski and Richie Clifford, a village trustee and Umowski's neighbor for 20 years, were chatting about their common interest in the Mets and bemoaning the closing of Shea Stadium. "I commented about how nice the Lynbrook nights at Shea were, and what a great memory they will be," Clifford recalled. "I asked Frank why he did all he did to make them happen."
Umowski told Clifford that he was glad to be a part of the recreation community because of all the happy times Lynbrook gave his family while they were growing up, and that now he can watch his grandchildren be part of those good times.
"I know Frank as a kind spirit who is always willing to help and prefers to be far away from the spotlight," Clifford said. "I'm glad that Frank is in the spotlight now."
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