GyBill
07-26-2005, 02:22
Slain Marine to be honored with scholarship
By Sara Withee
Milfored Daily News Staff
Monday, July 25, 2005
MILFORD -- Approaching the first anniversary of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Elia Fontecchio's death, family members are creating a scholarship to honor his love for the arts.
Fontecchio, a 1992 Milford High School graduate, was fatally wounded last Aug. 4 while on foot patrol in Iraq.
Killed near the end of his second tour of duty, Fontecchio -- who left behind a wife and 2-year-old son -- has been remembered for his strong devotion to his fellow Marines. His hometown honored that service last November by dedicating the Interstate 495/Rte. 109 overpass to his memory.
But the scholarship came about because Fontecchio's mother, Cindy, wanted to celebrate his love for theater and chorus while at Milford High School, said family friend Nicole Stucchi.
"Because Elia loved the arts so much, I think that's what he would have wanted, too," Stucchi said.
Stucchi and Fontecchio's cousin Kevin Allegrezza are organizing two events in August, she said. Plans for the first event, a bike ride Aug. 13, are still incomplete, she said. The other event is the Elia P. FontecchioGolf Tournament on Aug. 14.
The tournament will be held at Blackstone National Golf Course on Putnam Road in Sutton. Registration is at noon, with a 1:30 p.m. tee time.
So far, 70 of the 144 available player slots have been filled, Stucchi said. The $130 fee per person is due by July 31 and includes golf shirts plus a barbecue dinner.
Donations are being sought to raffle off at the tournament, along with money contributions for the scholarship. Companies can sponsor one of the 18 holes and have their name displayed on a flag for $100.
Fontecchio's mother and father Dennis will travel from their Florida home to attend the tournament, along with daughters Joslyn, Nicole and Elia's twin sister, Alicia.
Those interested in attending or making a donation can contact Stucchi at 508-989-7741 or Allegrezza at 508-726-1453 or 508-634-6786.
By Sara Withee
Milfored Daily News Staff
Monday, July 25, 2005
MILFORD -- Approaching the first anniversary of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Elia Fontecchio's death, family members are creating a scholarship to honor his love for the arts.
Fontecchio, a 1992 Milford High School graduate, was fatally wounded last Aug. 4 while on foot patrol in Iraq.
Killed near the end of his second tour of duty, Fontecchio -- who left behind a wife and 2-year-old son -- has been remembered for his strong devotion to his fellow Marines. His hometown honored that service last November by dedicating the Interstate 495/Rte. 109 overpass to his memory.
But the scholarship came about because Fontecchio's mother, Cindy, wanted to celebrate his love for theater and chorus while at Milford High School, said family friend Nicole Stucchi.
"Because Elia loved the arts so much, I think that's what he would have wanted, too," Stucchi said.
Stucchi and Fontecchio's cousin Kevin Allegrezza are organizing two events in August, she said. Plans for the first event, a bike ride Aug. 13, are still incomplete, she said. The other event is the Elia P. FontecchioGolf Tournament on Aug. 14.
The tournament will be held at Blackstone National Golf Course on Putnam Road in Sutton. Registration is at noon, with a 1:30 p.m. tee time.
So far, 70 of the 144 available player slots have been filled, Stucchi said. The $130 fee per person is due by July 31 and includes golf shirts plus a barbecue dinner.
Donations are being sought to raffle off at the tournament, along with money contributions for the scholarship. Companies can sponsor one of the 18 holes and have their name displayed on a flag for $100.
Fontecchio's mother and father Dennis will travel from their Florida home to attend the tournament, along with daughters Joslyn, Nicole and Elia's twin sister, Alicia.
Those interested in attending or making a donation can contact Stucchi at 508-989-7741 or Allegrezza at 508-726-1453 or 508-634-6786.