Steinert honored at annual golf outing

One day about 50 years ago, John DeGrace saw a young boy while riding his bike on West Valley Stream Boulevard. “He said, ‘Hi John!’” DeGrace recounted, “and waved to me.” Little did he know that this “outgoing, friendly person” that he saw would become one of his dearest friends, and this year’s honoree at the Valley Stream Republican Club’s annual golf outing, Donald Steinert.

Whether referred to as “a man for all seasons,” “a great friend,” or the affectionate nickname “Donny,” the 58-year-old Valley Stream native and assistant to the Nassau County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Louis Savinetti is beloved, to say the least. Several of his family members, friends, past and present colleagues, and those whose lives have been touched by his presence gathered at Lido Beach Golf Club on Aug. 9.

There were wall-to-wall smiles, and vivacious stories about the Rockville Centre married father of two. More than 100 guests celebrated a man whose accomplishments demonstrate a love for humanity, selflessness and a passion for helping others.

“My memories go way back with the Steinert family, and we have always been connected,” said Gary Breuer Sr., Steinert’s friend of more than 50 years. The pair met back in kindergarten at Clear Stream Avenue School in Valley Stream during the nation’s post-World War II baby boom.

Their “Leave It to Beaver” suburban neighborhood (referring to the late 1950s comedy show) was full of great friends, teachers and family, Steinert said. He played for the Valley Stream Green Hornets youth football league and the Mail League, predecessor of the Valley Stream Baseball League. Later joining the Omega Gamma Delta Fraternity at Central High School, Steinert left to join the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. He was awarded a Vietnam service medal, among other honors, before returning to Central in 1972 after serving for three years. “There is one title no one can take away from me,” he said. “I was the oldest Central High School senior.”

Richard Cardone taught mechanical drawing at Central. “It’s a tremendous honor for somebody you had as a student to be recognized,” he said. The teacher of 26 years helped Steinert adjust to life after the Marines and Steinert said he is very thankful for that influence.

Steinert later earned a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. “I truly owe my country for my opportunities that it has given me,” Steinert said, “and the doors in life it’s opened.”

Several officials and friends recounted Steinert’s achievements. Valley Stream native Bruce Blakeman, former presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, recalled Steinert’s Marines stint, and his days as a popular senior at Central. Blakeman gave a Sept. 11 challenge coin to Steinert.

Imtiaz Insanally, community liaison for New York Assemblyman Brian Curran, presented a citation on Curran’s behalf. Insanally worked with Steinert for five years at the Board of Elections. “He’s been a mentor to me, almost like a second father,” Insanally said. “He’s a top shelf guy. He’s done so much for the community.”

Steinert has served as past president of the Chaminade High School Parents Club, chairman of the board and vice president of the Rockville Centre Little League, and chairman of the Valley Stream Green Hornets Charity Bowl Game. He is a member of the Congressional Civilian Selection Board. Steinert also started his own business, DJS Transport, Inc., and was special assistant to the presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature.

Nassau County District Court Judge Angelo Delligatti recalled how Steinert volunteered to be his campaign manager this year. “It shows what great perseverance and courage that this man has,” he said.

Both Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray and Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare presented citations. “A lot of good that I learned when I was young,” Fare said, “I learned from the Steinert family.”

DeGrace, a former mayor of Valley Stream, added, “If you are a friend in need, Donny Steinert is a friend indeed.”