Hall of Fame Inductees
See our latest inductees listed below! Click on any inductee's name to learn more.
We apologize for the poor quality of some older inductee photographs. We are working to correct this as soon as possible.
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Eliot White (Media)
Eliot C. White was born in Meriden in 1947 and attended Meriden schools. He graduated from Hotchkiss School as football captain and MVP, and from Syracuse University with a B.A. in English. Eliot was Circulation Manager for San Jose Mercury News for 8 years before returning to the Record-Journal in 1979. He was the fourth generation family owner of the company and worked in various management roles for 44 years including Circulation Director, President and Publisher (1988-2019), and Editor (1991-2012). His commitment to journalism was recognized with the CT Council for Freedom of Information’s Steve Collins Award, the New England Editors’ Yankee Quill Award, and induction into the New England Newspaper & Press Association Hall of Fame. Eliot is known for his community involvement and under his leadership, the Record-Journal Foundation and company funded $2 million in grants and scholarships. As President and Fundraising Co-Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden, he helped raise $3.5 million to expand the Lincoln Street facility and Camp Cuno to become co-ed. He was President of the Summer Campership Fund for 25 years and helped raise over $1 million. He also served as the United Way of Meriden & Wallingford’s Campaign Chair, CT Daily Newspaper Association President, CT Council on Freedom of Information Chair, Meriden Bicentennial Fundraising Co-Chair, and a Castle Bank & Trust Founder. He was on the boards of New England Newspaper Association, Meriden Sports Reunion Committee, CT Sports Foundation Against Cancer, Curtis Home, and Meriden Girls Softball. He was a Meriden Boys Club Hall of Fame inductee, Meriden Rotary Club member, Red Cross 10-gallon donor, and softball and soccer coach. His lifelong passions are for his family, community, industry, family business, racquetball, and the New York Yankees. He is known for his modesty, collaborative leadership and partnerships, and a great sense of humor.
Joseph LaRosa (Business & Commerce)
Joseph Salvatore LaRosa was born in Meriden on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, 1930, to parents Salvatore and Josephine LaRosa of Springdale Avenue. It was a familiar sight to see Joe proudly displaying his Italian themed boutonniere each year on his birthday! Throughout his childhood and early life, Joe, his brothers John and James, and their parents implemented masonry projects around the city. Joe was later employed at International Silver Company, New Departure, and as a foreman at National Fence Company.Joe proudly served his country during the Korean War as a United States Marine and often reminisced about the impactful life lessons instilled in him from his time in the service. Joe married his “Sweetheart”, Constance (Tardif) LaRosa on June 9, 1956. During their forty-two-year marriage, they welcomed three children: John, Joseph and Jenine. Joe was also a proud “Poppi” to his seven grandchildren. In 1953, Joe founded LaRosa Construction, Inc. With the support and dedication of his wife and children, the company has thrived in Meriden for over 71 years.Joe is remembered as an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and a respected member of several local organizations including the Unison Club, Knights of Columbus, Meriden Elks, and North Italian Home Club. In addition, he advocated for his community as a member of the Inland/Wetlands Commission.Joe had a tremendous passion for gardening and the picturesque grounds around his home were proudly featured on various New England Garden Society tours. As a nature enthusiast, Joe was truly a gentleman farmer. He created a beautiful sanctuary for his twelve miniature horses, even competing in horse shows as a hobby.Joe was an exceptionally funny, generous and loving man. He will always be remembered for his selfless ways and always thinking of others.“A tall tree in the forest can never be replaced.”
Salvatore Giacobbe (Directors Discrretion)
Salvatore P. Giacobbe was born in Everett, MA on December 23, 1909 and relocated to Meriden in 1937 with his parents. He spent his career working for Pratt & Whitney Company, Inc. of West Hartford for 34 years and retired in 1975. Salvatore was active in Meriden politics and local fraternal organizations, serving six two-year terms as a selectman, for many years as secretary and president of the former Meriden Italian-American Republican Club, for ten years on the Board of Trustees of the World War II Veterans Memorial Hospital and as Chairman from 1974 to 1976, as a life member of the Meriden Aire #720 Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and as a member of the Meriden Order of the Moose. He was also a life member of the Meriden Elks Club #35 and was honored as Elk of the Year in 1965. Salvatore was a charter member of the Connecticut Boxing Guild and served as secretary, as treasurer from 1952-2000, and was named Boxing Man of the Year in 1975. He was matchmaker for sports promoter Valentine "Val" Callahan of Silver City A.C. and arranged boxing and wrestling shows at the Meriden City Hall Auditorium. From 1973-1980 he was chief inspector for the Connecticut Athletic Commission. In 1975, Salvatore joined Charles Byron, Joseph Coffey, Roger King and Max Muravnick to organize the Meriden Hall of Fame Association. These founders were the catalysts for others to take a new and distinctive look at what truly makes a community thrive: the people that live in it.Salvatore was happily married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 66 years and they had five children: Joanna, Lillian, Paul, Frederick, and Donald. He died April 13, 2000, in the Tabor Hills Healthcare Facility in Naperville, IL and is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meriden.
Thomas Ryan (Sports)
Thomas Ryan was born July 16, 1943 in Gardner, Massachusetts. His athletic journey began at Gardner High School where he played football and baseball under influential coaches Walt Dubzinski and Joe Bishop who shaped him as an athlete, student, and individual. He continued his education at University of Massachusetts, Springfield College, and University of Bridgeport, laying the foundation for his future coaching career. Following graduation, Tom embarked on his football coaching journey, starting at West Babylon High School and Gardner Junior High School before venturing into the college ranks. He honed his skills under legendary Connecticut coaches Nick Nicolau, George De Leone, and Bob Casciola. In 1980, he became Platt High School’s head football coach, leading a program struggling for success. He transformed the program over the next 27 years, achieving an impressive 147-130-4 record and an undefeated season in 1986, a first for Meriden. Beyond wins and losses, Tom instilled a strong work ethic and dedication to his players. He tirelessly prepared them for college, both athletically and academically, and created video highlight packages to showcase their potential. He opened his home to those in need, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of his players and the community. Tom's influence extended beyond Platt as co-founder of the popular 7-on-7 league and as a 1993 inductee into the Gardner High School Athletic Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on not only in his impressive record but in the countless players he mentored, coaches he inspired, and the positive impact he had on Meriden. Tom and his wife, Jacqueline, were married for nearly 60 years and have four children.
