“Big Al” Santie Honored by City Council

The East Providence City Council has named the Riverside sports complex on Somerset Street as the Alfred D. Santie “Big Al” Recreational Complex, in honor of longtime coach Alfred “Big Al” Santie. Introduced by Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson, this resolution celebrates Santie's dedication to Riverside Youth Sports. Santie, a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran, worked for the city's Water Division for 25 years and began coaching in 1977. Even during a 10-month illness, he never missed a season. His commitment and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on the community. 

The resolution said in part:

• The City Council recognizes the contributions of Alfred D. Santie, “Big Al,” to the youth of East Providence, especially in Riverside. For over 40 years, Big Al was a beloved coach and mentor in football, baseball, and basketball leagues.
• A lifelong Riverside resident and East Providence High School graduate, Big Al was inducted into the EPHS Hall of Fame. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam and worked for the City of East Providence Water Division for 25 years, retiring in 1992.
• Since his passing in 2007, Big Al is remembered for his dedication to Riverside Youth Sports. An annual scholarship in his name is offered by the Riverside Little League.
• The East Providence City Council hereby establishes the Alfred D. Santie “Big Al” Recreational Complex at the Somerset Street sports complex in Riverside, R.I.

Large Portion of “The Rec” Continues to Honor Frank Dellefemine
In the 1950s, East Providence transitioned from a small town to a city, incorporating in 1958. Alongside this growth, recreational facilities expanded.  Then high school principal James Bates foresaw the new high school's student body growing beyond 1600, while Town Council President James J. Reilly had already planned a new recreation area in Riverside with Councilman Fred Connors and City Parks Superintendent Frank Dellefemine. The improvements included a baseball field, basketball court, and playground on Somerset Street.  On a Saturday in 1958, before East Providence High School's football team narrowly won against Warwick High, 13-12, the day turned tragic as Frank Dellefemine suffered a fatal heart attack while preparing the field. He was 56 and highly respected, having served as park superintendent for 24 years. His contributions to city parks, particularly the Riverside Recreation Area (commonly known as "The Rec"), are well remembered. Dellefemine dedicated much of his time to youth groups and city parks, even checking pond ice during winters. Originally from Italy, he lived in East Providence for around 40 years and was active in various organizations.

After his passing, parts of The Rec were named in his honor, with his grandson Richard helping to install a boulder etched with Frank Dellefemine's name, signifying his lasting impact on the community.   The Dellefemine name has generally been associated with the large baseball field and adjacent playground and basketball courts and will continue to do so.  “We need to remind Riverside youth and all who use the Big Al complex, how the fields came about and who was responsible for them.  Our hope is that we all remember people like Al Santie and Frank Dellefemine for their immense contributions to our quality of life,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.