Three Local Men Honored at Golf Outing

Three Kings Park men will be honored in a golf outing next week at the Smithtown Landing Country Club.

The Kings Park’s Finest Annual Golf Tournament is in its second year and honors Mark Crowley, Ray Maher and Rob Iannone, all who lost their lives at an early age.

The tournament, originally called the Mark Crowley Open, ran for twenty years and was organized by Crowley’s younger brother Mitch. It was renamed two years ago to honor all three men.

Crowley, who had leukemia, passed away in 1989, grew up Jonquil Lane with parents Jim and Lois. He played football for Kings Park High School and later worked in the family liquor store in the Key Food Shopping Center.

“Everyone knew Mark for his big smile and bigger heart,” said Brian Maher, brother of honoree Ray Maher.

“Mark remarkably survived a tragic incident when he and his two friends capsized in the Long Island Sound during a sudden storm. He was the original inspiration for the tournament and many of the participants have attended every year in his honor,” said Maher.

 Ray Maher who suffered from a bi-polar disorder and passed away in 2002, grew up on Spencer Way. He attended the old St. Anthony’s High School and captained the soccer and lacrosse teams. Maher went on to graduate the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and start a family on Governors Island.

“Ray was known for his generosity which was demonstrated after 9/11 where he gathered food and clothing at his business in Rocky Point and led multiple trips to Ground Zero by himself to donate time and assistance for the needy,” Maher said.

Rob Iannone was a multi-star high school athlete and grew up on Phyllis Court. Upon graduating from the University of Delaware he moved to Indiana. He was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 1993 and moved back to New York to begin experimenting with new treatments.

“Just like his dedication to sports, Rob fought the disease with much desire,” Maher said. “Rob will always be remembered for his big smile and easy going manner that made him lifelong friends.”

The tournament, organized by the brothers of the honorees typically draws more than 120 golfers and is know for big ticket prizes like Mets and Yankee tickets, golf club sets and grills.

“Corporate and personal sponsorships, as well as substantial amounts of raffle purchases allow the tournament to contribute significant amounts toward North Shore Hospital which specializes in leukemia, bi-polar disorder and Huntington’s diseases," said Maher.

  The tournament happens on June 13 at 8 a.m. and includes continental breakfast, golf, and buffet dinner with open bar throughout  For more information or to register contact Mitch Crowley at 631-942-8766, Brian Maher at 631-374-1130 or Rich Iannone at 818-292-3404.