Ed Petrie, former East Hampton High School basketball coach for over 40 years and New York State's top high school boys basketball coach, died of a sudden illness on Sunday, May 24 at Southampton Hospital. He was 82 years old.
After 10 years as a physical education teacher and basketball and baseball coach at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor, Petrie began coaching the East Hampton Bonackers in 1969, according to 27east.
In the 1970s, under Petrie's leadership, the team became a powerhouse with a 62-4 record between 1975 and 1978 according to 27east.
“It's a tremendous loss to the East Hampton community,” Howard Wood, the current coach of the East Hampton High School girls team that won a state championship under Petrie in 1977, told The East Hampton Star. they were named Petrie, but he had dozens of other sons. He taught them so much about so much outside of basketball.”
In 1979, Petrie also helped coach the Bridgehampton High School team to a state championship while East Hampton was on an austerity budget, according to The East Hampton Star.
In 1989, he led the team to its first state championship and to the state tournament in both 2008 and 2009, according to 27east.
“He was tough on us, but we all knew why and the results supported him,” said East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo, who played at Petrie's varsity in the 1980s and was involved with the youth basketball program from age of 8 years. he told The East Hampton Star. “We have a proud tradition and large family of Bonac basketball alumni. . . thanks to the coach. Many of us exchange texts, calls and emails today reminiscing about our days playing for the coach. He is a great loss to East Hampton, he will be missed.”
He led the team to win the overall Suffolk County Championship in both 2008 and 2009, according to 27east.
Before his retirement in 2010, the Bonackers were 67-6 between 2007 and 2009, according to 27east.
During his 52-year career, Petrie won a total of 20 league titles, three county championships and two state titles and set a state record for public schools with 754 wins, according to The East Hampton Star.
In 2010, the basketball court at the high school was renamed Coach Petrie Court, according to The East Hampton Star.
“As someone new to this community, one of the first things you learn about is Coach Petrie and all of his accomplishments,” principal Adam Fine said in a Patch article written in 2011. “He's a legend here at East Hampton High School and has left an indelible mark on players he has coached. This court designation is the least we can do for such an important figure here at the high school.”
Petrie is survived by his wife, Nancy Petrie, his four children: Ed Petrie Jr., Michael Petrie, Miriam Petrie and Cindy Petrie. His grandchildren James Petrie, Shannon Petrie and Michael Russell. his stepchildren Sue Morris, Joanna Brinker and Karen McQuiston; and seven step-granddaughters.
“Ed was loved and respected by all who knew him,” Nancy told 27east. “His concern for those he cared about deeply was at the core of his values. I am so grateful for our years together and the community response lets me know that so many others share a deep and personal sense of loss. We were all lucky to have him in our lives.”
Visitation will be held at Yardley and Pino Funeral Home, located at t94 Pantigo Road in East Hampton on Thursday, May 28 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Donations can be made in his name to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.
