NFL's Patriots Honor Farmington Man For His Charitable Work

New England Patriots

FARMINGTON, CT/FOXBOROUGH, MASS. — A Farmington resident's ongoing work with a local organization dedicated to helping folks recover from serious illness/injury was recognized recently by the New England Patriots.

Bob Fiondella from Farmington was selected as a"2025 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week" for his commitment to Amy’s Angels.

As part of this recognition, the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette will be making a $10,000 donation to support the nonprofit.

Fiondella is the chairman and founder of the Amy’s Angels organization, a grassroots organization that provides short and long-term assistance to individuals and their families dealing with the debilitating effects of serious illness or injury.

Amy’s Angels was established in 2014, in loving memory of Amy Fiondella Bachman, a single mother who lost her battle to breast cancer before her son, Ethan, reached the age of 6.

Due to her illness, she was unable to work and was on disability.

Bachman died in December 2013, and Amy’s Angels was created to help people like her, struggling with the debilitating effects of serious illness or injury.

Patriots officials said Fiondella is a "true humanitarian who has worked tirelessly with great spirit to help improve the lives of others and reduce suffering."

"Being recognized as a Patriots Difference Maker is both humbling and deeply meaningful. At Amy’s Angels, we don’t do this work for recognition; we do it because families need us when their world has been turned upside down,” said Fiondella in a release issued by the Patriots earlier this month.

“Still, this honor shines a light on the incredible resilience of the families we serve and the
importance of community coming together. As a Patriots season ticket holder for 31 years, this recognition feels especially personal and inspiring. It affirms that compassion, kindness, and teamwork can truly change lives.

"I am grateful to the Kraft Family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette for celebrating this mission, and I share this honor with every volunteer, donor, and supporter who makes our work possible."

The Celebrate Volunteerism initiative aims to share examples of dedicated volunteers, build awareness of the need for volunteering, identify and educate others about volunteer opportunities, and inspire New Englanders.

The season-long initiative was celebrated in a special pregame ceremony during the Patriots regular season finale versus the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 4 at Gillette Stadium.

Throughout the season, the foundation presented a weekly “Patriots Difference Maker of the Week” award.

Robert Kraft, chairman and chief executive officer of the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots, was on the field before the game to congratulate this year’s winners.

“We are proud to honor volunteers across New England whose service reflects the values that strengthen our region,” said Kraft. “Their dedication supports our communities and upholds the principles that have long defined New England."

At Sunday’s game, the Kraft family announced each of the Patriots Difference Makers would be receiving a $10,000 grant to support the nonprofit organizations for which they volunteer.

For more information about the Celebrate Volunteerism initiative and the 2025 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week, visit this link.

For more information on Amy's Angels, click on this link.