ANDREW "ANDY" ESPOSITO

1937 - 2015

ESPOSITO, ANDREW “ANDY” Andrew (Andy) Esposito 77, of North Haven passed from this life unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2015 from a fall and ensuing complications. A devoted husband, father and grandfather; he leaves his wife of 56 years Marie Cable Esposito, his children, Mark & Gary Esposito and grandchildren, Gary and Daniel Esposito. Born on August 21, 1937 and raised in New Haven, he was the son of the late Vincenzo and Catherine (Salzillo) Esposito. Brother of Martha DePalma, Lawrence (Thea) Esposito and the late Ralph, Dominic, John, James, Clement Esposito, Mary Acampora & Lucille Carrera. In his youth Andy played three sports and captained the noted 1955-56 Wilbur Cross basketball team (still spoken of today) to a winning season. Following high school Andy’s journey began. It would continue on to be a lifetime of love and support to his country, humanity and the community. He joined the United States Army and played basketball and football during his tour of duty. Following his honorable discharge from the service he married his high school sweetheart. During his early years, he continued to play, coach and referee basketball in industrial and recreation leagues. In the early sixties, sponsored by the Easter Seal Goodwill Rehabilitation Center, Andy volunteered to coach the first wheelchair basketball team in the state of Connecticut, the Spokebenders; a team that has gone on to attain national recognition for their abilities on the court. Andy became an IAABO official in the greater New Haven area and for over 30 years refereed high school and college ball. He was elected President of IAABO Board #10. He was nominated as “Outstanding Basketball Official of the Year” and elected to the “Hall of Fame” by the New Haven Tap-Off Club. He received an “Honorary Lifetime Membership Award” from IAABO Board #10 for “Outstanding Contribution to the Game of Basketball”. In the late 1960’s he became an ironworker for Local 424. Andy continued to coach; now biddy basketball in the town of East Haven where he resided for many years. He was also one of the founders of the midget football league in that town. He received a special award for “Kindness and Generosity” from the Locker Room Building Committee and the Youth of East Haven. Andy was a member of the Housing Commission for the Town of East Haven. He was honored to become Grand Knight in 1997-98 for the Knights of Columbus, East Haven Chapter #11245. He actively served as a member for several years. For 25 years Andy served as Chairman of the John P. Criscuolo Memorial Scholarship Awards dinner; a benefit to raise funds for high school scholar athletes residing in the greater New Haven area. As life long friends, this tribute to John’s memory raised thousands of dollars for young men and women throughout the years. Though he would choose no other for his life’s work, Andy’s many years of ironworking with the tools were long and hard. For his dedication and contributions to his local, he was recognized and honored to be elected to the position of President/Business Agent Ironworkers Local 424. He served in that position until his election to Business Manager/Financial Secretary/Treasurer. During his tenure he also served as Labor Co-Chair of Ironworkers Locals 15 & 424 Annuity, Health & Welfare & Pension Funds and as President of the New Haven Building Trades. From his beginnings, his commitment to unions, fairness, and justice for men and women in the workplace never wavered. To all who knew him it was agreed, a sense of humor, genuine kindness and caring ways defined the man. In 2011, for his dedication of service he was honored to have the Ironworkers Building Local #424 renamed the “Andrew E. Esposito Building.” To the dedicated nurses on MICU 3 North, St Raphael’s Campus, a special thank you. Commitment to their profession is exemplary. Relatives and friends are invited to go DIRECTLY to Our Lady of Pompeii Church MONDAY morning to celebrate A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Interment with military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call SUNDAY in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80) East Haven from 3pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 417005 Boston,MA 02241 or the National Kidney Foundation of CT 1463 Highland Ave. Cheshire, Ct 06410. Sign Andy’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net