Dr. Joseph P. Amaio, III, (Yogi) 73, died unexpectedly on August 4, 2024 in Rocky Hill, CT.
He was born in Hartford CT and grew up in nearby Manchester where he attended Manchester High School. He was elected President of his class (1967), showing exceptional leadership capabilities. Yogi was a serious soccer and basketball player receiving a full basketball scholarship to Hofstra University, in Long Island NY.
Joe went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Keene State University; a Master of Education from University of Hartford; a Master ofEducation from Columbia University and a Doctor of Education from Columbia University, in 1988.
After College, Joe went to work in the Hartford Public School System as a Teacher, Coach and mentor to his students until his retirement. He was very dedicated to his students and helped them in any way possible. Joe was very involved and influential in athletics. He became Head Coach in 1975 where he compiled a record of 57-21-7 over five years, including winning the Class L Soccer Championship in 1977. He was awarded the Connecticut Soccer Officials Association Sportsman Trophy and was inducted in the Hartford Public High School's Hall of Fame in 2022.
Joe joined the Beacon Hil Rugby Club, in Boston MA in the early 1980's and later the Hartford Wanderers Rugby Football Club where he continued playing until 1995. He had a tremendous impact on both prestigious clubs as a revered competitor and an inspirational leader. Joe was known to hold court with his rugby mates, talking strategy for hours and instilling in them a love for the game that went beyond wins and losses Joe was pre-deceased by his mother, Beryle A. Giuca, of Vernon CT; his father, Joseph P. Amaio, Jr. of Hartford CT, and his sister, Karen M. Hudson, of Richmond VA.
He is survived by his sister and her husband, Marion and Jack Scavone of Manchester CT; his sister, Dr. Tracy Amaio and her husband, Tien Van of Irvine, CA; several nieces and nephews and many close friends.
Joe's final resting place will be in Wapping Cemetary in South Windsor, CT. A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.
Comments