John Nunziato

John Nunziato, legendary athlete, coach, teacher, and family man passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren on August 10th. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Eunice (Calesa) Nunziato, and his siblings, Joseph, Anthony, Carmen, Salvatore, and Lucia Dolly Pondelli with whom he now rests eternally.

John lived a storied and meaningful life that began in Somerville in September 1931. John ("Nunzi") was a high school standout in football, basketball, and baseball as the "little big man" where his small frame was never a limiting factor. One of his many clutch performances was sinking the winning free throws in the 1949 Tech Tourney in the Boston Garden to win the New England Championship.

At Boston University, John was a three-sport star and the only student athlete to earn nine varsity letters. He was a two-way performer on the football field (including quarterback), a starting guard on the basketball team, and a second baseman on the baseball team. John excelled at all sports and received many awards including the 1954 E. Ray Speare Award as Boston University's top scholar athlete, the prestigious Scarlet Key Award, and was also recognized as a Distinguished Military Student in the Army ROTC. John also received his master's degree in education from Boston University. In 1991, he was inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame.

After college, John served in the 82nd Infantry Division in Germany where he started his coaching career by coaching teams in his three sports. After his military service, in 1957, John returned to his hometown Somerville where he taught at the middle school and then the high school. He coached the football team from 1964-1972, winning the State Championship in 1968 and receiving Boston Coach of the Year honors. John was later inducted into the Somerville Hall of Fame. In 1997, Somerville dedicated "Nunziato Field" on Putnam Street which serves the community for many gatherings.

John's contributions to so many people across multiple generations far exceeded his athletic accomplishments.

John and Eunice, also an educator, continued their commitment to young learners by serving as the Directors of Belmont Day Camp for many years. Their spirit, high energy, and enthusiasm provided life-long experiences to thousands of campers and counselors.

John and Eunice settled in Winchester where they raised their daughters, Lori (Davis) and Dawn (O'Connor). John affectionately became "Poppa" when grandchildren started arriving with Chris Davis, Kristin "Tissy" O'Connor Greening, Jeff Davis, and Alison O'Connor Gallagher. Poppa enjoyed a very special relationship with his grandchildren. He loved and imparted wisdom to his family including their spouses Scott Davis, Bob O'Connor, Tessa Davis, Colin Greening, Peggy Davis, and Paul Gallagher. Poppa was adored by his four great grandchildren, Bowen, Griffin, Gemma, and Graham. The family is blessed to have had John and Eunice be their ultimate role models for the importance of family and how to impact the lives of others.

At John's and the family's request, there will be a private service. Those wishing to donate on John's behalf, please consider the Ruth and Roman DeSanctis Endowed Cardiology Research Fund through the link below:

https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/desanctis