Retiring Recreation Supervisor Mike Cordisco saluted for 40-plus years of service to Port Jervis region!

By Sharon E. Siegel

Forty-plus-years ago, Port Jervis Recreation Department seasonal employee Mike Cordisco began his longtime efforts and work with PJ’s Rec Department and its mission for local youth.  As he retired this month, he was saluted for his longtime contributions, skill, enthusiasm, and dedication.

John Faggione, the city’s Recreation Director, and many of the commission members, members of Cordisco's family, and others were in attendance at the most recent Port Jervis Common Council meeting as they, along with Mayor Dominic Cicalese, presented plaques of gratitude and words of praise for Cordisco’s decades of work on behalf of families and youth.

Faggione gave an overview of Cordisco’s involvement over the years, beginning as a young local boy who enjoyed the city’s neighborhood playgrounds himself. Deeply rooted in his community, Faggione noted Cordisco as having shared his love of sports with others beginning with his earliest years through present.

Born and raised in Port Jervis, Cordisco played football and basketball in high school, graduating from PJHS in 1978 with his friends, including fellow athletes Ed and Lou Banach. He went on to play football while attending college at SUNY Albany, where he earned a teaching degree and graduated in 1981. 

“As a kid, Mike participated in the Recreation Department’s Summer Playground Program. He played softball and basketball at the Health Center (now known as Farnum Park) and would ride his bike from playground to playground with his friends to participate in activities,” Faggione noted.  “As an adult, he played softball in the Men’s Adult Softball League for about 30 years, and was known for his pitching and as one of the best modified fastpitch pitchers in the area.  He continued to play, even playing with his son Alex as adults.”

After college, Cordisco taught as a substitute teacher at Eldred and Port Jervis. He was then hired as an elementary school teacher at Monticello, where he taught for more than 30 years as well as coaching football, baseball, and girls’ softball.  He retired from Monticello schools in 2019, and is now the assistant coach of PJHS’ Boy’s Varsity Baseball Team.  Over the years, he was also a Pop Warner football coach (8-years), PJ Little League Coach, (13-years) and served on the PJLL Board for many years.

Cordisco was presented with a plaque from Faggione and the Recreation Commission for his 40-plus years of work with the city’s recreation department. The plaque noted Cordisco’s tireless efforts and positive impact on local recreational programs, as well as his contributions in building a stronger, healthier and more connected community.

Cicalese expressed similar thoughts and gratitude on behalf of himself, the Common Council, and the citizens of Port Jervis.

“With sincere appreciation and best wishes in retirement, we thank you for your years of commitment, leadership, and dedication to the children and families of our community,” Cicalese said.

Note:  Anyone remember those small-city playground years and growing up in 1980s summers and onward as elementary to middle school students, and as teens through graduation? Or being trained by Cordisco and going on to lead sports as supervisors yourself?  There are no doubt hundreds. Right?