Frank Conti, Former SBU Football Player, Dies at 23

Former Seawolf defensive lineman Frank Conti, who graduated from Stony Brook in May, died Sunday while working at his summer job. He was 23.

His cause of death is still unknown.

According to a university statement, Conti transferred to Stony Brook after playing two seasons at Nassau Community College, and played in six games during the Seawolves' 2010 season.

"The Stony Brook football family lost a great person and role model," Seawolves head coach Chuck Priore said in a statement. "His smile and work ethic was contagious to his teammates, coaches and staff. Frank's positive impact on our community and football program will last a lifetime."

Conti, of Lake Grove, was a 2006 graduate of Sachem High School North. At a time when Sachem North's football program was feeling the growing pains of the district's split into two high schools a year before, Conti proved to be a leader on the field at a perfect time for the Flaming Arrows.

He was the prototypical Sachem lineman, playing for the name on the front of his jersey and ultimately earning the Black Helmet Award as the program's most passionate and dedicated player on the field in 2005. Conti was also named Outstanding Defensive Lineman that season, as well as Team MVP.

Conti, who graduated with a degree in sociology, is survived by his mother, Francine, and father, Charlie.

Viewing will be held Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. James Funeral Home in St. James, followed by a prayer at the funeral home on Thursday at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Conti's name can be made to the Stony Brook Football Fund for Excellence.

Sachem Patch editor Chris Vaccaro contributed to this story.