He played basketball and baseball at St. Anthony’s High School. The basketball team made two appearances at the New England Small Catholic High School Tournament, winning its first year in 1953. Individually, he earned all-tournament honors both times.

He entered the Army in 1956 and coached its championship Eighth Cavalry, First Cavalry Division team from Korea and Japan when it produced a 29-3 record. He scored 23 points per game as a player, and was written up in the “Stars and Stripes” newspaper for his accomplishments.

Upon his return here, he attended the UConn Waterbury branch, where he continued playing basketball, averaging 18.5 points. He also played for different military teams and scored 50 or more points in a game on five occasions during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

The future CSM of the CT National Guard also played fast and slow softball for local teams.

 He joined the Bristol Tramps Sports Reunion Committee in 1996, and later became its “squared away” executive director.

Cathy Savino accepted for her deceased father.