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Federico, who was born in Yonkers and later moved to Ossining where he was a standout high school athlete at Ossining High School died suddenly on April 30, 2010 while attending the University of Maryland.
"Christian was just 20 but he was fortunate two have experienced many positive things in his lifetime," Luanne Federico said of her son. "He was well-liked and respected by his peers, coaches, teachers and family members and he truly enjoyed living his life with gusto."
The softball tournament, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars and given 12 scholarships, included a record 17 teams playing throughout the day with breaks for refreshments.
Club baseball players from the University of Maryland donated a Stellar Pink Dogwood tree that was planed and dedicated on the Redmond Field grounds where Christian and many of his family and relatives played sandlot baseball with the Yonkers PAL and other teams.
"The guys from Maryland, who only knew Christian for a short time, wanted to do something in his honor," Luanne Federico said. "The outpouring of love and support has grown each year. But anyone who knew Christian loved him, so I'm not surprised at the impact he had." Along with the tree planting, a permanent wood sign with Federico's No. 23 was also installed near the tree. Christian's father Lou Federico, who coached his son at Ossining, was a standout athlete at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers from 1967 to 1970 and worked for the City of Yonkers. Many of Federico's classmates and friends from school and his Nepera Park Neighborhood in Yonkers were on hand. The event featured a tournament, men’s and women’s games, a picnic and raffles that offer prizes contributed by businesses throughout the county, including tickets to New York Yankees baseball games. Those interested in contributing to the fundraising effort can call (Christian's uncle) Vic Federico at 914-830-0811! There is also a Facebook page named “In Memory of Christian Federico.” Contributions may also be sent to the fund at 2 Butler Place, Ossining, N.Y.10562.
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