Nicholas P. Manzello

Nicholas P. Manzello, 82, of Worcester, a well known and respected sports columnist for the Worcester Telegram and Massachusetts State Boxing Coimmissioner passed away January 15th 2009 after a short battle with cancer.

"It's a sad day on Sports Street with the passing of T&G columnist Nick Manzello."

Nick was born in Worcester on January 29, 1927 the son of the late Antonio and Elizabeth (Petrone) Manzello and has lived here all his life.

He is survived by his devoted children, William C. Manzello and his wife Katherine (Cutting) of Worcester, Christopher P. Manzello and his companion Anne Revicki of Worcester, Kathryn M. Beauregard and her husband Ron of Holden, Mary E. Larson and her husband Steven of Auburn, Anne S. Kennedy and her husband John of Worcester, as well as 8 cherished grandchildren, Nychele, Kathryn and Jena-Lynn Beauregard, Lisa, Julie and Lauren Manzello, Emma and Morgan Kennedy, one great-grandchild, Nolan Fournier, a brother Edward Manzello and his wife Janice, a sister-in-law Doris Manzello, a long-time dear friend George Ayik, as well as many nieces, nephews, close friends and his cat Trixie.

In passing, Nick will be reunited with his beloved wife of 57 years Mary who passed away in 2005, his brothers Frank, Louis "Shine", Angelo, Rocco, and Anthony, his sisters Mary, Sarah, and Betty, his mother and father, and a granddaughter Amanda Lee.

Nick worked for the T&G for over 40 years as a reporter and columnist. His "Sports Street" column graced the pages of the T&G for many years, as a reporter he covered high school, college and professional sports, including, the NE patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, PGA tournaments, professional boxing, college football bowl games, and NCAA basketball playoffs. He took great pride in always focusing on the positive aspects of the game or event he was covering. Over the years Nick held court at a number of local establishments such as Holiday Donut, Scano's Bakery, Dunkin Donuts, Tony Marrone's Spa or the Bonardi Square Social Club where anyone could approach him to share information about local athletes. His presence will be sorely missed by the Central Massachusetts sports community. In 1978, he became the first T&G reporter to receive the United Press award for an outstanding feature story.

During his career Nick authored two books, Sports Twisters and Legacy of the Gladiator; he hosted a TV show on the local cable network, as well as a radio talk show on WORC, where he had the opportunity to interview many great sports legends such as Togo Palazi, Bob Cousy, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Jake LaMotta and Rocky Marciano, to name just a few.

In addition to his distinguished career as a sports writer, television and radio host, Nick was chair of the MA boxing commission, a member of the advisory board of directors of the Norwich Navigators, a New York Yankees farm team, and a former voting member of the international boxing hall of fame. Nick has received many honors including 70 media and civic awards. He may be the only sportswriter with a baseball field, a cigar, a 20 oz pork chop and a breakfast special named after him.

Among his honors Nick enjoyed several hall of fame inductions including Worcester Public Schools and the College of the Holy Cross, as well as an honorary degree from Worcester State College. He was always willing to help anyone in need and he spent much of his later life dedicating time to fundraising efforts for the Friendly House, coordinating and hosting the annual Galaxy of Stars event.

Nick took great pride in his Italian heritage supporting local civic organizations such as the Sons of Italy. He was also an avid baseball fan and probably New England's number one New York Yankee fan. Nick's love for his family and sports was coupled with his love for animals; he enjoyed the company of many pets over the years.

Friends, relatives and associates are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, January 19th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. (please go directly to church). Entombment next to his beloved wife will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following: The Friendly House, 36 Wall St, the Holy Name High School Scholarship Fund; Granite St. or Millbury Healthcare Center, Millbury Ave. Millbury.