Community Mourns Loss Of Legendary Trumbull Basketball Coach

TRUMBULL, CT — Vito Montelli, a legendary boys basketball coach for St. Joseph High School whose career spanned over half a century, died this week, leaving behind a legacy of leadership that impacted generations of students.

CT Insider reports Montelli's son, Tommy, confirmed his father died Friday morning at his Stratford home. He was 92.

In a statement Friday afternoon, St. Joseph President David Klein said the school community mourned the loss of Montelli, who served as the school's only basketball coach for over 50 years before retiring in 2012.

"The impact of Coach Montelli's influence transcends the confines of the basketball court," Klein said. "He touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark that has forever changed the trajectories of those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. For our Cadets, his legacy will forever be etched in the maroon and gold fabric of our school, serving as a constant reminder of his extraordinary achievements every time they step foot onto the court that proudly bears his name. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the St. Joseph High School community as we collectively mourn the loss of a true icon."

Over the course of 50 years, Montelli was honored many times and racked up numerous titles. His final record was 878 wins with 11 state titles. As a basketball coach, he guided his team to win nine state championships and finished second six times.

Montelli has been recognized regionally and nationally, including being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Seth Davis, a college hoops reporter for CBS Sports and senior writer for The Athletic, said Friday on Twitter he was very sad to hear of Montelli's passing.

"Vito was the coach at St. Joseph [High School] in Trumbull...and the all-time winningest coach in state history," Davis wrote. "I will miss his deep voice, but mostly will miss his kindness. Heaven just added an all-star."

A book by sportswriter Chris Elsberry titled "God, Family & Basketball: The 50-year career of St. Joseph High School coach Vito Montelli," which detailed Montelli's storied career, was published in the fall of 2020.

An Amazon description of the book notes Montelli "coached in 1,207 game and is the only Connecticut and New England coach to surpass 850 wins."