Family, friends reflect on a dedicated Valley Stream dad

Valley Streamer Gerardo Cavalieri is many things. He is a coach, a community volunteer and an assistant Scouts BSA scoutmaster. Most recently, he was elected a school board trustee for Valley Stream District 13 at the conclusion of the Board of Education race on June 17. But most importantly, according to family and friends, Cavalieri is a dedicated father.

“It’s never about him, it’s always about the boys and other children,” his wife, Irene, said. Together they have two sons, Nicholas, 16, and Christopher, 10. She said he is a dedicated, decent and supportive family man. Her favorite memories of him involve his coaching of their sons in various sports. According to her, his efforts to sit on the District 13 school board, stemmed from his love of being a father because, for him, it’s all bout getting the best for everyone’s children in the community.

“He has a determination to lead by example with complete honesty,” Irene said, adding that her message to him for Father’s Day this year is to continue living humbly and being kind to others.

Christopher said his favorite experiences with his father are his coaching him in soccer and baseball, as well as serving as his assistant scoutmaster for Valley Stream Troop 109. He made note of how much time he has spent supporting him and his brother.

Nicholas recalled Cavalieri’s efforts to help him earn a spot on the Valley Stream District Rifle Team, taking him to West Point — a nearly two-hour drive — every Sunday to practice. Only a few students actually make the team after trying out, he said.

Irene said her husband often tells their sons, “I will take you anywhere I need to take you as long as you give your all.”

Ron Healey, scoutmaster for Troop 109 said Cavalieri is always on hand to assist.

“He’s very helpful and never hesitates to help,” he said. “He always jumps in when needed.”

The two, Healey said, try to lead by example for both their children and scouts, trying to instill in the children the values of the Scout’s Oath, which call for obedience, loyalty, honesty and bravery.

At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, Healey noted that Cavalieri was instrumental in organizing a parade with the scouts to celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II veteran and Malverne resident Julian Binetti in March as the dangers of the virus made it impossible for his family’s original birthday plans to take place.

Cavalieri said he is looking forward to making more of a difference in the community in his new role on the District 13 Board of Education. He said he has often volunteered in the district, but now he has the opportunity to be more involved to help the children and taxpayers in the district, and potentially bring some fresh ideas to the board.