Saturday was a morning filled with memories and emotion as Greenwich residents gathered at the Hamilton Avenue School basketball court to honor David D’Andrea and celebrate a place that has long meant far more than basketball.
The courtside dedication brought together friends, family, former players and community leaders to recognize Mr. D’Andrea’s lasting impact and the court’s special place in the Hamilton Avenue community.
The occasion also marked the launch of the Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund, established by the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation to preserve and enhance the court for future generations.
Under the banner “A Court for Life,” the Foundation has set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 to support court repairs, new equipment, fencing, future amenities and youth programs.
First Selectman Fred Camillo, former State Senator Scott Frantz, Vin DiMarco and others talked about how deeply D’Andrea and the court are woven into the fabric of the community.
Longtime Greenwich educator and coach Garland Allen spoke of the relationships, mentorship and sense of belonging fostered on the court. A theme repeated throughout the morning was that lessons learned on this court extended beyond basketball.
For Greenwich Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano, honoring that history meant investing in the court’s future.
“The Hamilton Avenue basketball court has been an important part of this neighborhood for generations, and what we heard at the dedication demonstrates just how much it means to the people who grew up here,” Siciliano said in a release. “Honoring Dave while investing in the future of this court is a wonderful way to celebrate that history and ensure that young people continue to enjoy this special place for years to come.”
The commitment to preserving both the court and the community it fostered is at the heart of the Parks & Rec Foundation’s “A Court for Life” campaign.
“Saturday was a powerful reminder that a basketball court can be so much more than a place to play,” said Sue Moretti Bodson, chair of the foundation.
“It can be where you find a mentor, where friendships begin, where you learn about teamwork and where you feel like you belong and that is what ‘A Court for Life’ is about.”
The Parks & Rec Foundation invites the community to support the new fund.
Every contribution to the Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund will help preserve and improve the court and ensure that Greenwich youth continue to have a place to play, connect and build lasting friendships.
To donate through the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation, select “David D’Andrea Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund” from the donation menu or use this link: David D’Andrea Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund.
Checks may also be mailed to:
Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Memo: “Ham Ave Hoops”
Contributed Photo: Left to Right Back Row: Joe DiMarco, VinDiMarco, Joe Siciliano, Scott Frantz, Dwight Rochester, Garland Allen, Tom McGarrity, Lynn D’Andrea Fein, Mike Monick Front Row: Veronica Chiavaroli, Sue Moretti Bodson, Dave D’Andrea, Tony Marzullo, and Fred Camillo.
See also:
Reunion of 1976 Catholic Middle School “Chargers” Basketball Champs: Everybody Had a Role
April 25, 2026
October 2022