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

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Featured Inductee

Joseph LaRosa (Business & Commerce)

1930 – 2007

Joseph Salvatore LaRosa was born in Meriden on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19^th, 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 ...

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.