Page 17 - 2017 ESC Sports Awards Dinner Journal

THE JOSEPH A. LIUCCI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presented by Eastchester Eagles Sport Club
Joseph A. Liucci, better known to us as Joe, was a legendary Eastchester athlete.
From his younger days with Eastchester Little League and Blue Devils Youth Football to Eastchester Pony Colt and American Legion Baseball, Joe was probably one of the best, if not the best athlete to ever walk through the doors of Eastchester High School. Having distinguished himself as a strong athlete from early on with his above average speed and impeccable arm, Joe became that standout player everyone wanted one their team.
Joe attended EHS from 1974 to 1977 where he continued to carry his teams on to several league championships. He earned all-section honors in football and all-county honors in baseball both his Junior and Senior years. In 1977, Joe led Westchester County in home runs. He was later declared Home-Run Champ with eight, setting an Eastchester High School record at that time. Larry Cole of The New York Daily News, once wrote that hitting and fielding Joseph Liucci was like watching Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays all rolled into one.
After graduating from EHS Joe went on to attend Jacksonville State University on a baseball scholarship. The longtime Eastchester sports legend eventually decided to return home to start a family and become an Eastchester firefighter, where he recently celebrated an anniversary of twenty years. Although he decided to send his two children to Catholic school in Connecticut, Joe continued to support the Eastchester Eagles where he often attended the boy’s varsity football & baseball home games. His presence, although quiet, was never unnoticed. He brought about a certain spirit to the benches, bleachers and sidelines.
Sadly, Joe passed away on May 5, 2010, at the age of 50. His untimely death came as a shock to many of us. He was not only a loving husband and father of two adoring children, Joseph and Sofia Liucci, but an all-around great guy. His humbleness never ceased to amaze, never wanting any attention for his accomplishments on the playing fields, Joe was a true leader, always kind and gentle with a smile that seemed contagious. He was a man everybody looked up to, not only for his athletic abilities but for his compassionate ways.
Joe Liucci will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit will live on.
It is in his honor that we, the members of the Eastchester Eagles Sports Club, have chosen to create The Joseph A. Liucci Scholarship