Renowned CT High School Coach And Official Gary Rispoli Retires

One of the better known sporting players and coaches in the greater New Haven area over the past four decades will be feted at a retirement dinner on June 19 th in Meriden.

Gary Rispoli, a 2012 Amity High School Hall of Fame inductee, will be celebrated at a dinner from 6-9 p.m. at Monticello’s on Broad Street, in Meriden.

Rispoli’s sporting accomplishments are almost too lengthy too mention, for fear of leaving some out.

But they include: member of the undefeated 1971 Amity High School basketball team; member of the 1972 Cheshire Academy undefeated basketball team; four year player at Southern Connecticut State University baseball team; Amity High School baseball coach for 15 years; professional softball player for the New England Pilgrims; Wilbur Cross High School baseball coach; softball umpire for over four decades; Tap Off Hall of Fame inductee; basketball official for 38 years.

You get the point – he’s pretty well known.

Rispoli has also spent more than 35 years as a teacher and coach in the New Haven public school system.

Sports run in the Rispoli family.

When Gary’s brother, Vinny, was in college at the University of New Haven, he played under legendary coach Porky Vieira. In fact, Gary’s brother was the first UNH player ever to sign a pro contract.

Officiating is something Rispoli is particularly proud of.

“To me the highlight was the camaraderie with my fellow officials and being part of what I consider to be an elite group,” Rispoli said. “Not everyone can officiate a basketball game. If you do it, you should consider that a badge of honor.”

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased by calling John Vigiliotti at 203-314- 1509 or Donna Rispoli-DelBasso at 203-804- 9141.

Photo: Gary Rispoli. Photo credit: Contributed

— By Jack Kramer, Patch Correspondent