The mission of the Norwalk Old Timers Athletic Association is to recognize and honor individuals with a connection to Norwalk, who have impacted the local sports community and/or beyond, and to celebrate these sportsmen/sportswomen as well as our city’s glorious sports history at an awards dinner held each year with proceeds benefiting the Norwalk Old Timers Scholarship Fund.
JOSEPH LIBERATORE, 2007 Honoree
Norwalk Old Timers would like to remember Joseph Daniel Liberatore, 73, known to all as kind, generous, and the epitome of a gentleman. He was born on June 1, 1950, and passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023. Joe was surrounded by close friends and family during the last months of his life.
Joe attended Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk where he became a three-letter varsity athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. During his senior year in 1968, Joe was named Male Athlete of the Year. His athletic achievements continued at the University of New Haven where he excelled as a shortstop.
After college Joe was a softball enthusiast and played for multiple teams over the years, most notably the Norwalk Aces. He became a basketball referee in 1972 when he joined the International Association of Basketball Officials. He demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and a true passion for the game. Joe became a pillar of the officiating community and a respected figure in the basketball officiating world, holding true the value of fairness and sportsmanship. In 2007 he was honored and inducted into the Norwalk Old Timers Association for his athletic accomplishments.
At the time of his death, he was the owner of Joe Liberatore Trophies and Awards. Joe took great pleasure in being able to help athletes around Norwalk and the surrounding communities celebrate their achievements.
While passionate about athletics, his fondest joy was spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and grandfather "Papa." He loved to organize and attend family gatherings and was often the catalyst that brought people together.
Joe supported the entire family in helping them achieve their own personal athletic journeys and made it a huge priority to attend all family sporting events and ceremonies. Joe made fond memories playing golf with his dear friends and loved playing at world renowned golf courses with his son, Kevin, his favorite golf partner.
He is survived by his loving, devoted, and cherished high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Marilyn Petronella Liberatore. Joe also leaves behind his daughter Kelly Bishop (Jarrod), son Kevin Liberatore (Adriana), brother Paul Liberatore (Diana), sisters Holly Liberatore, Wendy Tarantino, mother-in-law Rosemarie Petronella, and his four beloved grandchildren, Cole, Olivia, Leo, and Nico. Joe was predeceased by his mother Grace DeLallo Liberatore, father-in-law Robert Petronella, and brother-in-law Nick Tarantino.
Donations may be made to the Carver Athletics and Recreation Charity in Joseph Liberatore's name to support the children of Norwalk toward achieving their athletic goals: https://the-carver.org/athletics
MARY ROMAN, 2015 Honoree
SAL NUZZO, 2015 Honoree
Norwalk Older Timers extends condolences to friends and family of 2015 honoree Sal Nuzzo, following his passing on April 9, 2020 in Jupiter, FL.
Salvatore J. Nuzzo was born and raised with eight brothers and sisters in Norwalk. He was an outstanding scholar, leader, and athlete. His senior year, Sal led the Norwalk High School football team to its only state championship while serving as the school’s student body president. He attended Yale University on a scholarship, graduating in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and later earned a master’s degree in business from Columbia Business School in 1974.
Immediately following graduation from Yale, Sal joined Hazeltine Corporation, a NYSE-listed defense electronics contractor. He rose through the ranks to eventually become president, CEO, and chairman. He was the recipient of numerous business awards and civic honors.
Sal was also an avid golfer. He served as chairman of the North Hills Classic, a golf tournament held on Long Island, which eventually became a regular event on the Senior PGA Tour. He was a founding member of The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, FL and Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, NY. Although he never achieved his ambition of breaking 80, Sal was proud to have shot an 81 at the age of 83 (from the regular mens’ tees).
Sal adored his wife of 68 years, Lucille (Cocco) Nuzzo, and leaves behind four children: James of Boston, MA, David of Houston, TX, Thomas of Lumberton, NC, and Dana of Norwalk, CT.
IN MEMORIAM
MARY ROMAN, 1995 Honoree
Mary Barboza Roman, 84, passed away at Norwalk Hospital on March 23, 2020. Mary was the first victim in Norwalk to succumb to complications from COVID-19.
Mary was born September 30, 1935 in Pittsfield, MA. She was the oldest of three children born to Arthur and Beatrice Barboza. She graduated from Williams High School in Stockbridge, MA where she participated in Women’s Basketball and Softball. Upon her graduation from Williams High School, Mary attended Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
Mary was a very active member in her community; she was the Norwalk City Clerk for eight years for three different mayors. She also volunteered for many different nonprofit organizations, such as the Norwalk Senior Center, and was president of the Rotary Club.
Mary enjoyed being competitive, which drove her to participate in the Senior Olympics. She then moved on to the USA Track and Field Master’s Division. Mary has won over 300 medals and holds two world records for her age in the throwing events. She has touched the hearts of many and will be missed by all.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Granville, sister Charlotte (Hoyt), and son Warren. She is survived by her sons, Michael Roman, Kenneth Roman, Craig Roman and his wife Suzanna, as well as Gerald Roman and his wife Jennifer.