Nearly 40 people turned out on Monday, May 17 to share memories and unveil the Julie Larese Memorial at Rockwell Park. Members of the Bristol Tramps Sports Reunion Committee, the Bristol Park Board, the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame, City Department heads and friends joined family members as the memorial stone was dedicated.
After opening remarks and a history of Rockwell Park by Donna Papazian (Chair of the Memorial Dedication Committee) Julie’s daughter, Marion Larese Gifford shared memories of her father and what Rockwell Park meant to their family. Tom Murrone and Coach Dan Valerio (Co-Chairs of the Bristol Tramps Sports Reunion Committee) cut the ropes to reveal the memorial stone and plaque.
The stone, located at the entrance to Rockwell Park, is close to the playground and lagoon entrances under the watchful eye of the American Flag.
May 17 was the 12th anniversary of Julie’s death and those gathered spent time after the ceremony reliving some of their memories of the great Julie Larese.