'Do it for John' -- North Haven Football Team Pays Tribute to John Liquori

By Melissa A. Daniele

The Town of North Haven came together this past Friday night, Oct. 17, at Vanacore field to honor the life of John Liquori who was tragically taken away from us this past July after being hit by an alleged drunk driver.

John graduated from North Haven High School in 2012 and was on the football team. He was a drummer in the local band, Epoch Era and attended Southern Connecticut State University.

For the special night, the football field had a #41 yard line to represent John’s football number painted on each of the 40 yard lines with John’s initials.

There was a pre-game gathering of family, close friends, high school staff and many who graduated with John. This night was a tribute for John, his favorite color of purple worn by many on specially made T-Shirts with a quote he lived by “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) had a table to educate the public and many local businesses donated food and gift certificates for a raffle. Mr. Todd Petronio, Athletic Director, Coach Chris Grillo and Joe Schwab, close friend of John, spoke beautifully and warmly about John.

John touched so many lives and our community united and generously participated in the warm and loving tribute.

The John Liquori Memorial Fund is a scholarship fund to award individuals who “embody John’s spirit of living life passionately and having a lasting positive impact on the world” according to the Foundation’s site.

This first event for the Foundation raised $10,488. The North Haven Indians won the game against Branford 53-7 and the North Haven football team and band performed the school alma mater to the Liquori family, friends and spectators at the end of the game.

The Liquori family was very touched by this special night and the community coming together to support their son John, meant so much to them. Please visit the site: www.doitforjohn.com.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Suraci