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Robustelli's Family Delighted With City Honor

STAMFORD, Conn. — Andy Robustelli's family could think of no better honor for their father than naming the Stamford High School football field after him. Before becoming a Hall of Fame defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, Robustelli played football for Stamford High School.

“It would mean a lot to my dad,” Rick Robustelli said, adding that his father would have had a “little smile on his face.”

“It was a special place to him,” Thomas Robustelli said of his father’s feelings toward his alma mater.

“I couldn’t think of a more deserving person,” Robustelli’s son-in-law and NBA referee Bennett Salvatore added. “He’s a role model to all of us, young and old.”

Rick, Thomas and Salvatore were joined by two of Robustelli’s daughters, Laura Salvatore and Andra Compo, when the Board of Representatives voted Monday to make the naming of the field official. Last week, the board’s Parks & Recreation Committee voted in favor of bringing the field name to the entire board.

Before it could rename the field, the board had to waive a requirement that the honoree must be deceased for six months. Robustelli died May 31 shortly after his wife and high school sweetheart Jeanne died April 1.

The name will be Andy Robustelli Field at Boyle Stadium. City Representative Jerry Pia, who proposed the change, made it clear that it would be a “tandem of two great people.” The stadium was named for Michael A. Boyle, a longtime football coach and athletic director for the school.

A plaque and dedication ceremony will be held at Stamford High School’s opening game, Sept. 16, Pia said.

Did you ever meet Andy Robustelli? Share your favorite memory below. 

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