Join us in celebrating notable graduates of Naugatuck High School!
Eligibility
A person who has graduated from Naugatuck High School and has excelled and risen to prominence in their respective fields, affecting society beyond local boundaries, including individuals and communities statewide, nationally or internationally. These individuals have made a lasting impression in both the past and present, showcasing the true excellence of Naugatuck students.
Nominations
Send nominations to Principal John Harris at john.harris@naugatuck.k12.ct.us. Include the following about the person you are nominating:
Name
Year they graduated
Resume/bio of their career
Photo
Contact information
NHS Alumni who are recognized in the Lobby of Legends at the high school are listed below. Click on their name to learn more about their accomplishments.
Walked the runways of New York City, Paris, and Milan for various top end fashion designers
Appeared in commercials and print advertisements for many big brand companies
Played the character J.D. Darius on Baywatch
Born in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and a graduate of Naugatuck High School’s class of 1987, Bergin never considered modeling and acting while growing up. Yet when Bergin attended the University of Connecticut, during his sophomore year a friend urged him to try modeling. Seeing that the potential of the industry could greatly ease the financial burden of this college tuition, he decided to go for it. As demands of work grew and the commute to New York became more frequent, Bergin decided to spend the summer after his junior year in Manhattan working full time. Even though his career quickly took off, Bergin still completed his education, graduating with a degree in business marketing. One month later he moved to New York. In search of a fresh face to replace Mark Wahlberg as his underwear model, Calvin Klein chose the relatively unknown Bergin as his successor, after which Michael gained international exposure in print ads, and, notably, on a 96 ft. x 70 ft. billboard in New York City’s Times Square. In addition to becoming the “Face” of Calvin Klein, Bergin walked the runways of New York City, Paris, and Milan for Sonia Rykiel, Valentino, Calvin Klein, GianFranco Ferre, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Donna Karen and was the exclusive model for Claiborne for Men, a division of Liz Claiborne, Inc., for over three years. He has also appeared in commercials and print advertisements for Kellogg’s, Bacardi Rum, L’Oreal, Maybelline, Coty, Valentino, Perry Ellis, and Liz Claiborne. Michael also became a respected community activist, working closely with the anti-drug children’s program D.A.R.E. as a national spokesperson, and lending his name, time, and image to numerous AIDS charities. While being involved in modeling, Bergin ventured into acting, with his most notable role as J.D. Darius on Baywatch and Baywatch Hawaii. He also starred as the villainous “Nick Bozeman” on the NBC supernatural soap opera Passions in 1999. In unusual moves for a model-turned-actor, Michael has worked for art-house legends Merchant Ivory, in the film The Proprietor (1989), and played a closeted gay action film star opposite Dean Cain in The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000). Michael currently resides in California with this wife and children.
Scientist, businessman, President, Founder, and Chairman of the Breault Research Organization
Graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1958
Dr. Robert Breault has made many significant contributions to the relatively new field of optical science, such as conducting original research that was used to improve the performance of the Hubble Space Telescope and Cassini Spacecraft.
Graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics in 1962.
Recruited by the U.S. Air Force and flew over 250 missions over Vietnam from 1962 to 1969.
Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master's of Science in Optical Sciences in 1972.
Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Doctorate in Optical Science in 1979.
Cited three times by NASA for his work in optics.
Dr. Robert Breault was born on March 2, 1941 in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Dr. Breault is the third of four children. As a child, Dr. Breault developed an interest in the physical and astronautical sciences. By the age of 14, Dr. Breault collected and examined many crystalline rock materials and constructed his own fuel-based engines. Dr. Breault graduated from
Naugatuck High School in 1958.
In 1962, Dr. Breault graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics. Dr. Breault was then recruited by the United States Military as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Breault was deployed to training and missions in England, Alaska, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Dr. Breault went on to earn the rank of Captain.
Upon completing his military service, he attended the University of Arizona to obtain his Masters of Science and Doctorate in Optical Sciences in 1972 and 1979, respectively.
Dr. Breault is currently the chairman and founder of the Breault Research Organization (BRO). The BRO is an organization dedicated to the research of stray light analysis and suppression, a field in which Dr. Breault is internationally recognized for his contributions. His original work covers research on the scattering of coated surfaces, paints, glass, and mirrored surfaces. Dr.
Breault was important in the fabrication of devices to measure the bidirectional scattering characteristics of surfaces. Most notably, Dr. Breault’s doctoral research on the properties and use of light is claimed to have improved the performance of the Hubble Space Telescope’s imaging system by a factor of 100,000.
Dr. Breault is a member of many prestigious organizations and the recipient of many different awards.
Dr. Breault has received awards of recognition from NASA in 1977, 1978, and 1984, an award for work in the Applied Sciences from the University of Arizona and a formal recognition by the Governor of Arizona’s GCQI award committee as the 2010 Ed Dension Business Leader of the Year. Dr. Breault is a fellow of the SPIE optics society and CO-chairman of the Arizona Optics Industry Association. Dr. Breault serves on the board of the TCI, network of businesses and organizations based in Barcelona, Spain. Dr.
Breault also served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Emerging Technology Research Advisory Committee for approximately eight years. Over the last 15 years, he has traveled to over 38 developing countries to help improve their economies.
Pitched for the California Angels in 1977 and 1978, where he won 2 games and lost 2 games
Silver medalist at the age of 19 at the 1971 Pan American games in baseball as part of the U.S. team
Compiled an 18-8 record in triple A baseball
At all levels in the major leagues, won 50 games while losing only 18
Recorded a phenomenal 105 wins and 20 losses while pitching for 4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University
While at Naugatuck High School, he won 7 games in his senior year and lost none to spearhead the first year of the nationally acclaimed 64-game winning streak
John Caneira, in the spring of 1970, led the Naugatuck High School baseball team to a 22 wins and no losses season, laying the foundation for the nationally acclaimed 64-game winning streak that was about to unfold. At the conclusion of that season, John was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates but chose to go to college at Eastern Connecticut State University where he compiled an unbelievable pitching record of 105 wins and only 20 losses. It was during this time that he was selected to the United States Pan American baseball team that finished second to Cuba and for their efforts each player received a silver medal.
With his senior year coming to a finish, John was first drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in January of his senior year and then by the California Angels in June. He signed with the Angels. After signing his contract, John started professional baseball with the Idaho Falls Angels. The next season he was promoted to the Salinas Packers and later, in that same season, to the Quad City Angels. The following year, 1976, he was assigned to the El Paso Diablos. In each of these assignments, John continued to prove he could win at every level.
In 1977, he was assigned to the Salt Lake City Gulls. The Gulls were the Triple A affiliate of the California Angels and one step away from the Major Leagues. In September of 1977, John was in the Major League of baseball. In 1978, John started the season in Salt Lake but was quickly called up to the Angels. Unfortunately, due to pitching, he incurred a career-ending injury (rotator cuff)
Presently, John lives in Southington CT with his family.
Window and Display Designer Graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1978
Former window and display designer
Studied Fine Art and Art History at the University of Connecticut
Employed as a display trimmer for Macy’s Department Store, New York in 1983
Employed as a designer for Bloomingdale’s from 1984 to 1985
Employed as a designer Bergdorf Goodman’s Home Department from 1985 to 1986
Recognized as a designer shortly before his death in 1993
Employed as a consultant and designer for Barney’s Chelsea Passage from 1985-1990 where he is remembered for his innovative designing of table settings that he would set twice a week. Cipriano was influenced by late 19th century
decorative styles.
His work is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Cipriano passed away in 1993 at the age of 33.
Former window and display designer, Michael Cipriano was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1960. Cipriano graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1978 and continued his post-secondary studies as an artist at the University of Connecticut where he studied Fine Arts and Art History. Cipriano began working professionally as a display trimmer for Macy’s Department Store in New York in 1983. He earned more job opportunities with companies such as Barneys (in New York), Bergdorf Goodman (New York), Bloomingdale’s, Ercole, Etoile, Kosta Boda, and Puiforcat. Cipriano’s career as a display trimmer at Macy’s to a display manager at
Barney’s would last only a decade before his death in 1993.
Professional Baseball Player Graduated from NHS in 2008
Three-time All NVL and All-State first-team selection in high school baseball
Attended Boston College from 2008-2010
Drafted in the 3rd round of MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins
Made his Major League Baseball debut for the Twins on May 11th, 2016
Signed a contract with the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization League
Pat Dean graduated from Naugatuck High School in 2008 with quite an impressive resume. Pat was a two-sport athlete, playing both basketball and baseball, but was best known for his performance on the baseball diamond. He was a four-year varsity letterman, an NVL Champion, and 3-time All NVL and All-State first-team selection. In consecutive starts during his senior year, he threw a no-hitter and a perfect game. In his high school career, Pat compiled a record of 29 wins and only 8 losses while recording 292 career strikeouts.
After high school, Pat continued his baseball career at Boston College on a full athletic scholarship. He attended Boston College from 2008-2010 and made quite a name for himself at Chestnut Hill. In his career at BC, Dean was 13-7 with 172 strikeouts, which ranks ninth-most in school history. One of his greatest accomplishments in college was when he won the Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week his sophomore year, after striking out seven batters against the University of Miami, who was ranked 13th in the country at the time. Pat was the starting pitcher for Boston College in the longest game in NCAA history when the Eagles played the
The University of Texas in the Regionals of the College World Series.
After three years of college baseball, Pat was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 3rd round of the MLB draft. Pat made his way through the various levels of the minor leagues and was finally called up to the majors in the spring of 2016. On May 11, 2016, he made his MLB debut against the Baltimore Orioles. He lasted 2 ⅔ innings and struck out 3 batters. After completing that season with the Twins organization, Pat signed a one-year contract with the Kia Tigers of the KBO League in Korea.
Pat was certainly one of Naugatuck High School’s greatest athletes. His work ethic was second to none, and his accomplishments speak for themselves.
Actor, Adventurer, Author, Cyclist, Film Producer, Script Writer Graduated from NHS-1978
A professional actor from age 16- performed both on and off Broadway-studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and trained with some of the best acting coaches, such as Lee Strasberg, Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, and Stella Adler
In 1989, Kevin broke the world record for traveling the length of the NYC subway system
After initial delays due to injury (hit by a truck) and political unrest, Kevin cycled the Great Wall of China 2000 miles for which he received the 1990 “cyclist of the year award”, winning the award over Greg Lemond (multiple Tour de France winner)
In 1993 he began his, “American Summit Tour” in which he reached the summit of the highest point in each state in all 50 states by riding his bike and by carrying his bike when he could not ride
In 1997 he toured Cuba in a journey covering 1158 miles, the longest bicycle tour in Cuba’s history
In 2005, Kevin returned to acting, producing and writing in the feature film Yesterday’s Dreams
In the last several years Kevin has turned to help motivate young adults across the country about finding their purpose in life and living out their dreams to their fullest through his foundation Foster Dreams
Kevin Foster was born in Waterbury and raised in Waterbury and Naugatuck. At the age of 8, Kevin was accidentally electrocuted and spent the next four years recovering from this near-fatal accident. This four year period was spent, the majority of the time in a wheelchair as he rehabilitated to recover his memory, his ability to speak, and his ability to walk. After graduating from NHS, he pursued his acting career, then his cycling career, next, his American Summits Tour and finally back to acting, writing and producing.
Today, Kevin lives in California and through his foundation Foster Dreams publicly speaks to young and older adults to pursue their dreams.
Naugatuck High School graduate Kelly Grant was the first Black female Naugatuck police officer and detective. She earned her Bachelor's degree in sociology from UConn. In the Naugatuck PD, she spent 5 years on patrol, then worked as a D.A.R.E. officer and detective in the Youth Bureau.
She joined the State Police in 2001, where she worked at the state capitol protecting the governor, trained new troops as an instructor at the Training Academy, and represented the State Police as the Public Information Officer and spokesperson. She currently works as a recruiter for the State Police.
"As a recruiter, I tell people about the State Police and encourage them to consider a career as a state trooper. I also get to participate in a variety of community engagement activities all over the state," Grant said.
Worked with some of the biggest female stars of the day like Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer, Jeanette MacDonald, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn and Joan Crawford
Worked on the 1939 movie classic, The Wizard of Oz, designing the film’s red-sequined ruby slipper for Judy Garland
Designed costumes for over 200 films
Established his own fashion house
Adrian Adolph Greenberg was born in Naugatuck on March 3, 1903, to Gilbert and Helen (Pollack) Greenberg. He began his professional career while still attending the New York School for Fine and Applied Arts by contributing to the costumes for George White’s Scandals in 1921. He was credited for that production by his stage name of Gilbert Adrian, a combination of his father’s first name and his own. He transferred to NYSFAA’s Paris campus in 1922 and while there was hired by Irving Berlin. In the fall of 1922 he returned to New York and began work on Berlin’s 1922-1923 edition of The Music Box Revue. Through this his name spread to Hollywood, and was asked to become a head designer for Cecil B. DeMille’s independent film studio. In 1928 Adrian was hired as chief costume designer at the studio.
During his career at that studio, Adrian designed costumes for over 200 films, creating costumes for many well-known and now classic movies. Adrian is perhaps best known today for his work on the 1939 movie classic The Wizard of Oz. Adrian designed the film’s red-sequined ruby slippers for Judy Garland, as well as the other colorful characters you see in the film. He opened his own very successful couture business and continued to do some films until such time as his business expanded, with a salon in New York as well as Beverly Hills. His fashions were sold in department stores around the U.S. and he was the recipient of the 1944 Coty Award for Fashion. He also received a Lord & Taylor award for his work on Marie Antoinette in 1938 and a special award from Parsons, the successor to NYSFAA. He is now buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Mohamed (Mo) Hrezi was born on October 28, 1991. He was raised in the United States as a dual citizen when his family emigrated from Libya.
Mohamed started running in 8th grade when he moved to a new school and the only sport offered was cross country. He was the slowest runner on the entire team but did not give up and kept running. In high school, Mo participated in soccer and baseball until he got cut from the team his sophomore year. He then turned to track where he was told tryouts were already over. The coach gave him a chance and told him to come to the first meet the next day. At the race, Mo did not run distance like he had with cross country - instead he sprinted and ended up beating the fastest sprinters on the team. He continued to run, increasing distance, and setting state records for the half-mile races.
After high school, Mohamed went on to Iowa State University, graduating in 2013 as an NCAA Division 1 All-American cross country runner, First Team Academic All-American twice, and more. Mo was recruited by Hanson’s Running Shop to be a member of the Hanson’s Brooks Team, a running team sponsored by Brooks running shoes that competes across the nation. When this happened, the Libyan Olympic Team got in contact with him but he was conflicted. He didn’t want to train in Kenya and Morocco but kept in contact. When he qualified, the team continued to let him train here in the U.S.
Mo went on to the 2016 Summer Rio Olympics, competing in the marathon, and was the flag bearer for Libya at the Parade of Nations. He finished in 77th place and afterwards, went back to the U.S. to continue training in Michigan and running with the Spartan track team on occasion when he could.
In Mo’s words, “Running is a real release for me, and runners look at what they do as a social activity. It will be something I continue to do in the next phase of my life and hope to take advantage of the resources at my fingertips.”
Pediatrics, Politics, Mystery Writer Graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1949
A graduate of Yale University
Served as a state senator in Connecticut
GOP candidate for Governor & in 1994 the US Senate in losing the Senate election to Joe Lieberman
Author of 21 mystery novels collaborating with Dr. Henry Lee on 4 of them
Frequent guest lecturer in public as well as some of the major cruise line ships
Dr. Jerry Labriola grew up on the east side of Naugatuck attending Central Avenue School before going to Naugatuck High where he excelled both academically and athletically. Upon graduation, he left to attend Yale. While at Yale, he met the academic pre-med challenges, yet found time to participate in four years of basketball, culminating in his being named the captain of Yale basketball in his senior year.
After completing medical school, Jerry returned to Naugatuck to open his pediatric practice and treated countless numbers of infants and children for more than 35 years. At the same time, his passion for politics never waned. Very involved in both local and state politics for the GOP, he ultimately became one of its strongest candidates peaking with his run for both the
Governorship and U.S. Senate.
Having been exposed to forensic science while in the U.S. Navy, this exposure opened a new chapter in his life as a mystery novel writer. And what a chapter it has become. Collaborating with Dr. Henry Lee, publishing many novels, receiving numerous favorable publicity regarding his novels (Publishers Weekly and Midwest Book Review) and lecturing both in public and on major cruise lines must be both fulfilling and rewarding.
Presently, Dr. Labriola continues to write and live in Naugatuck.
Executive chief for Sugar Factory American Brasserie in NYC, Miami, and Dubai
Competed and took first place overall in the 2008 Iron Chef Connecticut competition
Received Best Chef-owned Venue by New England Magazine in 2010 for his restaurant in Litchfield, CT
Appeared on the CBS Morning Show as a representative for Sugar Factory, to present a live demo for Summer’s Best Sweet Spots
After graduating from NHS in 2005, Keith attended the Center for Culinary Arts in Shelton, CT. Upon receiving his culinary certificate, he worked locally for the next several years at Vintage in Waterbury and The Corner in Litchfield. In 2011 he moved to Miami, Florida, to work for The Miami Personal Chefs. This group of reputable personal chefs catered to southern Florida’s elite clientele. Before joining Sugar Factory in his present position, he worked for the award-winning Juvia restaurant in Miami, expanding his talents under Executive Chef Laurent Cantineaux in the category of Japanese, Peruvian, and French cuisine. Currently working as an executive chef for the Sugar Factory, and after opening restaurants in NYC and Miami, Keith is in Dubai overseeing a new Sugar Factory restaurant
Performed at 3 sold-out shows of Willie Nickerson’s Egg
Performed and recorded with other major artists
Thomas Mariano, also known as Tommy Mars, was born October 26, 1951. He grew up in Naugatuck. When he was 8 he started piano lessons and later tried his hand at many different keyboards and synthesizers. He graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1969 and moved on to Hartt College of Music, where he graduated in 1972.
After graduating, he had various jobs involving music including: choirmaster, church organist, movie accompanist, etc. Unsuccessfully, Mars did not have one job for too long and instead tried to create a solo act in Western California. The percussionist from Frank Zappa’s band, Ed Mann, helped Mars by arranging an audition for him to become a part of the band. From 1977 to 1982, Mars got the gig and toured with Zappa’s band. Within that time period he also appeared in the movie Baby Snakes and recorded multiple Zappa albums. In 1988, Tommy Mars collaborated with Stuart Hamm and was involved with other members from the Zappa band in the early 90s.
In 1994, he toured and recorded with the band Mona Lisa Overdrive as well as with The Band from Utopia, which is also known as Banned from Utopia. He continued through the 2000s to produce, and played music with Bruce Fowler, Jimmy Carl Black, Arthur Barrow, and more. In 2009, Mars played on No Forest Fire, which was recorded previously in 2005. In 2010, he recorded an audiobook written by Jon Larson which was released in 2011. He also performed Willie Nickerson’s Egg live show for 3 concerts in 2014.
Tommy Mars is a music prodigy who inspired many with his talents. He thrived in the music industry. Even after a rocky start, his journey shows that you should never give up on your dreams. There is always a way.
Professor of Orthopedics Graduate of Naugatuck High School in 1973
Graduate of Duke University in 1977
Graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1981.
Completed his surgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 and his orthopedic residency at Duke University in 1987.
He completed his Fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedics from Newington Children’s Hospital from 1987-1988.
Current head of Pediatric Orthopedics at Monroe Carrell Children's Hospital.
His clinical interests include Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma, Scoliosis, and Spinal Deformity, Limb Lengthening, Cerebral Palsy, and Gait Analysis.
Director of the Spina Bifida Clinic and the President of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America.
Growing up in Naugatuck, Connecticut, Greg Mencio did not have any interest in becoming a doctor. However, he soon became interested in orthopedics, which combined his love of sports and his desire to help people.
After high school, Mencio attended Duke University where he played baseball and football for four years while pursuing his medical degree. A trip to Shriner’s Hospital in Greenville, N.C. solidified his interest in pediatric orthopedics. Before moving to Vanderbilt as an assistant professor, Mencio completed his internship and residencies at Duke University. A surgical residency at the University
of Pittsburgh, and Fellowship at Newington Children’s Hospital.
Today, Mencio is a professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and vice chair of the Department of Orthopedics for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, director of Pediatric Orthopedics at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, and director of Spina Bifida Clinic. Mencio is also the president of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America.
Master’s degree from Wharton MBA Program at the University of Pennsylvania
Managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (1993-2010)
CFO of Tyler Perry Studios (2010-2013)
Managing director at BT Wealth Management (2013- present)
Bernie Palmer grew up in Naugatuck and graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1973. He was one of the top students in his class and was even a star athlete. He made the 1972 New Haven Register All-State football team as a quarterback. After high school, he attended the University of Connecticut and earned his degree in accounting. Bernie was also a 4-year letterman for the UConn football team. After UConn, he attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and earned his master’s degree in business.
After college, he landed a job at Ernst and Young. In 1993, he was hired by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and worked there for 16 years in the personal financial services group. For about 12 of those years, he was in charge of PwC Investment Advisors and advised a client base with over $3 billion of investment assets.
After his long stint with PwC, Bernie was hired as the CFO for Tyler Perry Studios. There he advised senior management on personal financial investment advisory matters.
In 2013, BT Wealth Management hired Palmer to be a managing director. His role is to provide investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and small businesses.
Since his time at Naugatuck High School, Palmer has thrived in the classroom, on the field, and in the workforce. He has made a name for himself in the business industry as he has twice been named one of Worth Magazine’s Top Financial Advisors. His
overwhelming accomplishments in his occupation truly show why he is one of Naugatuck High School’s finest.
Owned the P&S Plumbing Supply Company and Builders Supplies of Waterbury
Born in Naugatuck Connecticut, and a graduate of Peekskill (New York) Military Academy in 1929 and from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., in 1933. He was in the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, B.A., in 1934, and from National University Law School (now George Washington University), LL.B., Washington, D.C., 1939. While attending school worked for the Connecticut highway department from 1924 to 1933, U.S. Rubber Company in 1934, for the United States Department of Labor 1934-1937, for the Social Security Board in 1937 and 1938, and for the United States Treasury 1938-1940.
He served with the United States Marine Corps and the Office of Strategic Services from September 1941 until discharged as a Major in July 1946, with overseas service in the African and European Theaters and in India, Burma, and China.
Patterson was elected as a Republican to the Eightieth and to the five succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1959). He was a resident of Bethlehem, Connecticut, until his death in Camden, New Jersey, on February 7, 1989.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Howard University
Master’s degree in Business Administration from Purdue University and TiasNimbas Business School (Netherlands)
Immediately after graduating high school, André Powell began his career in business as an intern at the non-profit Inroads in the Greater Hartford/Springfield region and working summers at United Technologies Corporation. After college, he spent 15 years at Pratt & Whitney aerospace manufacturing company working both domestically and internationally. Powell later became the vice president of Finance, Academic Affairs & Research Financial Control for Howard University where he led finances for all academic schools and colleges, centers/institutes, and libraries as well as all finance/accounting for the university’s sponsored research portfolio. At UTC, he served as an executive assistant to the chairman and chief executive officer. Powell was a trusted advisor during the Rockwell Collins acquisition and the UTC portfolio separation decision. He then went on to become the vice president of Finance for Operations & Quality at Collins Aerospace. In this role, André directed Finance for Central Operations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Poland. He was also an executive sponsor for Collins Aerospace Charlotte-based African American Forum. The forum is composed of exciting and dynamic professionals dedicated to the inclusion and diversity initiatives. Currently, André Powell is the director of Finance for the Southeast region at United Rentals, he serves on the National Board of Directors of INROADS, Inc., and the Board of Directors of Raftelis Financial Consultants. Today, he resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife and twin children.
American Writer A graduate of Naugatuck High School 1924
Author of the biography, There Is a River, the only biography of Edgar Cayce written during Edgar Cayce's lifetime. Still available today, There Is a River has touched the heart of hundreds of thousands of people.
Former reporter for the Naugatuck Daily News, then later hired by New York-based Herald Tribune newspaper, writing articles covering Athens, Egypt, Palestine, England, and more as he traveled the world. At this point, he was taken ill from a rare arthritis disease.
During his lifetime, Sugrue wrote seven books, including Starling of the White House, with and for Edmund Starling, Chief of the Secret Service who protected all U.S. presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
A letter dated July 15, 1954, announced the establishment of the Thomas Sugrue Memorial Library at Wainwright House, in Rye, New York.
Thomas Joseph Sugrue was born on Ward Street in Naugatuck, Connecticut, in 1907 to Michael and Mary Sugrue. His early memories of life in the borough's Irish section were captured in the 1940 autobiographical novel, Such is the Kingdom. After graduating from N.H.S. in 1924, Sugrue attended Washington and Lee University, graduating with a bachelor’s and master's degree in English. After being diagnosed with a rare arthritis disease, Sugrue moved to Virginia Beach in 1939, where he documented seventy-six psychic readings with Edgar Cayce. The results of these readings improved his condition. There Is a River was written during this time. In 1953, during a hip replacement surgery, Sugrue did not survive and died at 45 years of age in New York.
Athlete, Professional Football Player Graduated from NHS in 1934
Richard Tuckey was born in Naugatuck in 1914. He graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1934 and had quite the athletic career in his 4 years. He lettered in each of his four years in high school, in football, baseball, basketball, and track.
After graduation, he attended Manhattan College, where he continued his football career. Upon his graduation from Manhattan College, he began his professional career with the Washington Redskins. In 1938 he played 3 games for the Washington Redskins and 4 games for the Cleveland Rams.
Dick Tuckey’s success and professional career put Naugatuck on the map for professional sports. His success and his amazing high school accomplishments from Naugatuck leaves an everlasting impact on the history of Naugatuck High School and the town of Naugatuck as a whole.
