Hall of Fame Inductees
Since 1975, the Meriden Hall of Fame has recognized individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and service have brought honor and distinction to Meriden. Representing a wide range of fields, these inductees reflect the talent, dedication, and spirit that define Meriden’s proud heritage.
We invite you to explore the list of inductees below and discover the remarkable men and women whose achievements have helped shape the story of our community. Click on an inductee’s name to learn more about their life and accomplishments, or use the navigation on the right to explore the inductees by the year of their induction.
Click here to watch recordings of past Induction Ceremonies on YouTube.
Click here to learn how you can nominate someone for the Meriden Hall of Fame.
Gary "Tex" Burt (Community Service)
1944 – 2023
Gary "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 calling. As Executive Director from 1976 to 2005, he devoted 44 years to the organization, mentoring thousands of children from underserved neighborhoods. Under his leadership, the Club expanded its facilities on Lincoln Street and at Camp Cuno, grew its academic and after-school programs, and launched the King Youth Soccer League and other athletic programs. In 2012, the Club's gymnasium was named in his honor. He also received numerous awards and citations from the State of Connecticut and the City of Meriden, including his own day. For more than forty years, Gary “Tex” Burt did more than lead a youth organization — his true legacy is not found in construction projects or program expansions, but in the lives of the thousands of children who walked through those doors. He knew their names, noticed when something was wrong, and pushed them to expect more of themselves. For many kids facing instability, Gary was consistency, encouragement, and guidance. He is remembered by generations of Meriden adults who still credit "Tex" as the person who believed in them first. Gary and his wife, Carolyn, raised their son Christopher and daughter Heather in the city he was proud to call home. Gary and Carol have seven grandchildren.
Ashbil Boardman Griswold (Historic Persons)
1784 – 1853
Ashbil Boardman Griswold was born on April 4, 1784, in Rocky Hill, to Constant and Rebecca Boardman Griswold. Around 1797, he began an apprenticeship in pewter making under master craftsman Thomas Danforth III in Rocky Hill, acquiring the skills that would shape Meriden's industrial destiny. Griswold moved to Meriden and established the town's first metalware manufacturing shop in 1808, working in pewter, block tin, and later Britannia — a lead-free alloy of tin, antimony, and copper offering a silvery luster approaching that of sterling silver. Operating from his residence and adjacent shop on Griswold Street, he employed peddlers to sell his wares across New England and as far south as Georgia. Griswold remained a dominant force in Meriden's manufacturing community for over forty years, leading the firm Griswold & Couch from 1830 to 1842 and mentoring future industry leaders including Isaac Chauncey Lewis, William Worcester Lyman, Lemuel J. Curtis, and James A. Frary. His cultivation of skilled craftsmen and sound business practices were direct precursors to the formation of the Meriden Britannia Company in 1852 — and ultimately the International Silver Company in 1898 — earning him recognition as the "Father" of both enterprises. Beyond commerce, Griswold was deeply engaged in civic life. He served multiple terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives and the State Senate, co-founded the Meriden National Bank in 1833, and served as a trustee of the Meriden Savings Bank. His artistry is preserved in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Winterthur Museum. He died in Meriden on March 30, 1853, and is buried at East Cemetery.
Justin Piccirillo (Literature)
1974 –
Justin Piccirillo, a lifelong Meriden resident, has dedicated his career to teaching in the public school system, where his passion for learning, storytelling, and the arts has inspired generations of students and colleagues. A true multidisciplinary creator, Piccirillo is an educator, artist, musician, historian, and political cartoonist. His illustrations and writing have appeared in numerous books and magazines, reflecting both his artistic versatility and his deep commitment to documenting local heritage. For more than a quarter-century, he served as a writer and editorial cartoonist for the Record-Journal, offering thoughtful commentary on community life and current events. Piccirillo is widely recognized for his contributions to the preservation and interpretation of regional history through his published works. He is the author of three books: Images of America: Hubbard Park, Art and Artisans of Meriden, and Hidden History of Meriden. Through his books, articles, and other media, he has helped preserve and celebrate the history, people, places, and stories of Meriden and Connecticut. As an educator, Piccirillo has shaped arts curriculum across multiple Connecticut school districts, mentored emerging teachers, and served as a guest clinician and lecturer. He has received multiple nominations for Teacher of the Year and recognition from the Meriden Arts Council. Piccirillo is also an accomplished musician who has performed regionally and nationally with rock, world-music, and tribute ensembles. His musical work has received international airplay and has included high-profile performances alongside members of The Who, KISS, Twisted Sister, and the Saturday Night Live Band. Through his teaching, art, music, and historical scholarship, Justin Piccirillo has made a lasting contribution to the cultural life of Meriden. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving the community's heritage, celebrating its people and stories, and inspiring future generations to appreciate the place he has always called home.
Michael J. Roberts, Sr. (Sports)
1936 – 2023
Michael J. Roberts, Sr. was born on October 13, 1936, to Michael and Jean Roberts and was a lifelong resident of South Meriden. One of four brothers, he was educated in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School. From an early age, Mike had a deep connection to the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He worked for L. Suzio Concrete for four decades and was devoted to his wife, Edna, whom he called the love of his life. Together they raised four sons. Mike was a lifetime member of the Meriden Rod and Gun Club, where he rose to President. He championed the refurbishing of the Red Bridge, worked to have the river stocked with trout, and successfully brought back the fishing derby at Mirror Lake — partnering with Connecticut Fisheries to stock it annually, an event that continues today. He also worked with Meriden Parks and Recreation to open the reservoir at Giuffrida Park to fishing. As a regular columnist for the Record-Journal, where he authored the "Woods and Waters" outdoors column, Mike shared his love of hunting and fishing with the wider community. He was known for the phrase "Get a Kid Hooked on Fishing" and for saying "Tight Lines" when a fisherman he knew passed away. Perhaps his greatest legacy was establishing an annual St. Jude's fundraiser at the Meriden Rod and Gun Club. What began with 40 to 50 attendees has grown to 300 to 400, raising $600,000 for St. Jude's — with 100% of proceeds donated. His name is permanently honored on the St. Jude's wall at the Club. Mike Roberts passed away on October 23, 2023.
