Dear Editor:
A plain thank you seems so inadequate for the outpouring of friends and family that attended our 1st Annual Chris “Chopper” Amoroso Invitational Softball Tournament on June 11th The heartwarming response shows that there are still many people who are or were from North Bergen that still care and find the time to remember a true hero!
Christopher Amoroso was a Port Authority Police Officer who was killed saving lives in the devastating attack of September 11, 2001. Chris was a fun loving bear of boy who grew up in North Bergen, and went to North Bergen High School. In memory of Chris many of his friends and family for the past ten years have played or attended a softball tournament in his memory. The proceeds went to the Chris Amoroso North Bergen High School Athletic Award; this year it was presented to a North Bergen Senior, Noelle Sogluizzo who is involved in the same athletic areas that Chris loved so much.
With the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 approaching friends of the Amoroso family decided to host their own softball tournament. The event took place at 67th street field and although the weather did not cooperate the day was a memorable one!
There are so many people to thank who helped make the day possible.
First and foremost Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera for allowing the event to take place at the town sports and recreation complex at 64/67th street. Special thanks to John “Digger” O’Dell. The Parks and Recreation Department and Jim Wiley and the DPW Department for always helping and being there when called upon. NBHS Teacher Mr. Komar and The North Bergen High School Key Club for volunteering and helping run the activities. Thank you to the amazingly generous local businesses and vendors who provided food and beverages: Applebees(NB), Roses Deli, Sparkys, Marks Ice Cream, Malki’s. Cuginos Pizzeria, Ralph Cataffi & Kearny Recreation Dept., Mighty Dogs, Dulce Havana, Hashways Deli, Joe & Nancy Griglio, L4 Digital Photography, DJ’s Matt Lutte & Jeff Miller, Foodart NY Inc., PBA 109, Consolidated Dairies, Chicken Delight, Palermo Pizzeria, Yum Yum Express, P.A.P.D., Garden State Awards, The Bartulovich Family, Bob Bender and John Sogliuzzo.
Thanks also to Dr. Frank Bello and Emil Fuda Jr for their generous donation and all the big-hearted families that helped make the day a huge success. Chris Witt and the ASA Umpires who donated their time all day!
To all those individuals who shared in the success of the day our heartfelt thanks, as well as a special thanks to the 6 softball teams who played their hearts out in the rainy weather:
Team Amoroso, NBFD, NBDPW, Team Beatle, Team Falco, Team Bourbon
See you all next year.
Friends and Family of Chris “Chopper” Amoroso