Joe Dooley

Joe was a legendary referee and official who dedicated his life to the youth of Suffolk County and their athletic and educational advancement. He was an official for 39 years until his passing in 1999 and served as a member of the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials, serving as its President in 1982-83. Joe also was a playoff official for Suffolk County football for 25 years and referred the Long Island Championship games consecutively from 1995-1997. Further, he was the No. 1 rated official in Suffolk County an astounding 12 times and voted the New York State Official of the Year in 1996. The annual Suffolk County PAL High School Football All-Star was named in his honor. Another important part of Joe’s life was his work as a lifeguard at Smith Point for more than 40 years. In 1993, he was named New York State Lifeguard of the Year, and the Long Island Ocean Lifeguard Championship was dedicated in his honor in 1999.