Joe Gardi Scholarship

Dear Family and Friends of Joe Gardi,

On Friday, June 4, 2010, Carole, my wife, & I established the Joe Gardi Memorial at Stapes HS in our current hometown of Westport, CT.  One may ask why is Joe being honored in CT.  The simple answer is that Joe had two great experiences around the football team that Carole & I shared with him and will always remember.

Shortly after Joe retired from Hofstra in December 2005, he asked me if the Staples HS Gridiron Club would like him to speak at their year-end football banquet.  The Chairman of the Club, Dan DeVito, and the Head Football Coach, Marce Petroccio, were excited that Joe wanted to do this and welcomed him with open arms.  On the night of the banquet, Joe gave a great speech, which people still talk about five years later.  He was greeted warmly throughout the evening by the attendees, and this meant a great deal to him.

When Staples HS christened their new turf field in September 2006, Joe came up to Westport for the home opener with Ken Cloud, and Marce Petroccio invited Joe to be on the field with him.  Joe decided to sit in the stands instead with Ken, Carole & me, and we enjoyed the opening day victory.  We went to Pepe's Pizza in Fairfield, CT afterward to enjoy clam pizza, and Joe's favorite, sausage "well done" pizza.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day for all of us, but especially Joe.  

Carole & I are proud to establish this scholarship in Joe Gardi's honor.  He had two great experiences around Staples HS Football community, and we want to make a difference for two graduating senior student-athletes heading to college each year. Joe was always about the kids, whether it was his children, grandchildren or players, and the scholarships will be granted annually with this in mind.  We will honor one offensive and one defensive football student-athlete annually since Joe's teams were always proficient on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

If you wish to contribute to the scholarship fund, a form is provided for your convenience.  You may contribute by check
or credit card.
 

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.  If you have any questions, please contact me
646-218-0783 (Office), or via e-mail at amazzarella@boomllc.com

Sincerely,
Anthony F. Mazzarella