Marco Giovanelli (1913-1980) was devoted to youth athletics. Giovanelli was born in Brooklyn and served in the Pacific during World War II where he was decorated for valor. He was employed at Western Electric until a back injury rendered him unable to work, and he then focused his energies on improving his community. As the State Commander of the Catholic War Veterans, he devoted his time to veterans’ issues on the state and federal level. He also organized baseball and basketball leagues for St. Mary’s Gate of Heaven in nearby Ozone Park, as well as other community organizations. Marco Giovanelli died in 1980.