Lucian Veneziano played football for the Pioneers as an offensive lineman from 1962-66, serving as team captain. After graduation, several professional teams including the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers showed interest in the Pioneer, but Veneziano signed a contract as a free agent with the New York Giants, preferring to remain close to home with his family. He was the last cut from the Giants roster in 1966.

Veneziano became a teacher at Westbury High school, where he also coached the junior varsity football team to an 8-0 record.

Two years later, in 1968, Veneziano began his 31 year career at Plainview-Old Bethpage and served as an assistant football coach, and eventually became the head football coach at JFK High school in Plainview.

After his retirement from coaching, Veneziano contined to announce at the football games, and also became the Executive Director for the Community Center of Plainview-Old Bethpage.

Veneziano passed away in 1999, but made such an impact with his students and colleagues, that the JFK High School gymnasium was renamed “The V” in his honor.