Thomas O. Altieri

thomas altieri
MIDDLETOWN - Thomas O. Altieri, 84, of Middletown, formerly of Meriden, passed away on Friday evening, Jan. 20, 2006, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved husband of Eunice Helin Altieri for 63 years. Born in Meriden on August 2, 1921, he was the son of the late Thomas and Virginia Altieri. Tom started his amatuer boxing career in 1939. In 1939 he won the New England Light Heavyweight Championship. In 1940 he won the New England Heavyweight Crown. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He served in the special services boxing for four years. In 1943 Ring magazine picked Tom Altieri as the boxer most likely to reach the top of the heavyweight division. Upon honorable from the United States Navy in 1945 Tom turned pro. His record of 17 wins, l0 by knockouts, 3 losses and one decision in the heavyweight division. In 1945 he married Eunice Helin and had three sons. Tom started his sports training medicine in the mid-50's with the Meriden High School football team. In 1960 he was selected to become the YMCA Health Club director, a post which he occupied for seventeen years. While at the Y Tom was head trainer for the Hartford Knights Football Team and Hartford Bics Basketball Team. He did home games for the New York Jets. He also continued with Maloney High School football, Cheshire Academy and Lyman Hall High School. Tom was known to all the area althetes who o miracles with sport related injuries. Tom donated every Thanksgiving for those years taping area high school football players at his home and at Meridn Ceppa Field. In 1976 Tom became head trainer for the World Football League team being Philadelphia Bell. Tom became the first trainer in 1977 for the World JAI-LAI, taking care of Hartford, Miami, FL, Ocala, FL and Gainesville FRONTONS. Tom would fly home and would be the trainer for the Hartford GHO for those years. Many an MD would send their patients to Tom and would work his miracles on them. Tom donated his time to many an althlete. Tom officially retired from JAI-LAI in 1990. Tom still stayed active with West Hartford's Tumblebrook Country Club until 2002. Some of the celebrities that Tom took care of were Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Bob Hope. Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas and Joanne Altieri of Ashford, CT, Richard and Kimberly Altieri of Middletown and David Altieri of Woodland Park, CO; a brother, Albert Altieri of Granada Hills, CA; two sisters, Rose Altieri of Meriden and Eva Post of Wallingford; nine grandchildren and spouses, Jeannine and Jim Puzewski of New Britain, Derek and Tammy Altieri of Petersburg, NJ, Daren and Danniele of Woodbury, CT, Cody Altieri and Dakota Altieri, both of Middletown, Nathan Altieri and Sara Altieri, both of Woodland Park, CO, Brian VanAlmkerk and Kyle VanAlmKerk, both of Middletown; five great-grandchildren, Zachary Altieri, Alyssa Altieri and Aime Altieri, all of Petersburg, NJ, Dylan Altieri and Julia Altieri, both of Woodbury, CT; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Cosmo and Michael Altieri. The funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 126 Hanover St., Meriden, CT. The Rev. Perry L. Beaver will officiate. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions in Tom's memory may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 126 Hanover St., Meriden, CT 06451.

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  1. Dear Daren and Family, Please know that we are thinking of you all during this time. Joe and Anne

  2. Dear Eunice & Family, How privieledged we are to know you….although we may have not seen one another very often..You have always been very special people in our lives.. Tom was an extroadinary person…and so special in many ways…How lucky you both were to have met and lived together all those years.. I wish you well Eunice…and I know you will do well..as you have a beautiful caring family…filled with love for one another and especially for you.. If ever you would like to get in touch…I would love to treat you to lunch…just say the word! Take care of yourself, Fondly, Marie

  3. Dear Mrs. Altieri and Family, My sincere regret and sympathy to you and your entire family with the passing of a wonderful Man and Friend. Tom’s help and counsel will truly be missed. No words can describe his extraordinary character and giving nature. Sincerely, David Finnance

  4. Eunice and family members, Charlotte and I give you our sincere condolences and want to assure you that you and Thomas are in our thoughts and prayers. Charlie & Charlotte Gardinier

  5. Mrs. Altieri and family, Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My father was especially saddened as they had a great friendship from their years at the YMCA. Tim and Debbie Kidder and family

  6. I am saddened to learn of the death of Tommy.

    Tommy married Eunice Helin, the daughter of Bob Helin, my dad’s brother. Although our family “scattered” when we moved to Sandusky, Ohio, we continued to follow Tommy’s career from the Meriden YMCA into golf, football, and even sporting events in Florida.

    In coelo quies est my friend!

    Ernie Helin
    Destin, Florida


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