ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2026
The Meriden Hall of Fame is proud to announce our class of 2026 inductees:
Gary “Tex” Burt, in the category of Community Service Justin Piccirillo, in the category of Literature Michael Roberts, in the category of Sports Ashbil Griswold, in the category of Historic Persons
Join us for the 2026 Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Meriden Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Inductees
Featured Inductee
Gary "Tex" Burt (Community Service)
1944 – 2023Gary "Tex" Burt was born in Brooklyn, New York and was raised in Meriden, where his mother operated Claire's Luncheonette. A parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church, he graduated from Maloney High School and attended Central Connecticut State University before teaching in the Haddam school system — preparing for a life devoted to education, mentorship, and service. Gary began working at the Meriden Boys Club under Executive Director Joseph Coffey and found his calli...
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U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STAMPS HONORING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Rosa Ponselle
Inducted: 1977 | Stamp released: 1997
Thomas Anthony "Tomie" dePaola
Inducted: 1985 | Stamp released: 2023
2023 U.S. Postal Service stamp honoring 1985 inductee Thomas Anthony “Tomie” dePaola and his Caldecott Medal–winning children’s book Strega Nona.
