Fellow Board 6 Officials,

I wanted to share a recent story about Rich Federowicz.

I feel especially privileged that I was able to work with him in one of his final games. We were assigned the Kingswood vs. Noble Greenough opening game this season on November 30th.

It was a special day at Kingswood as the "Frosty Francis Court" plaque was unveiled and dedicated with Board 6 as one of it's main contributors.

Rich was well aware of this pre-game ceremony and made sure we were on the court early to represent the Board.

With Pete Palermino in attendance as well we were able to take some pictures with Frosty's plaque as Rich pointed with pride to the Central Connecticut Board 6 dedication line.

The game was a typical prep war with the temperatures rising by halftime so as usual Rich needed a shirt change for the second half.

We talked about what might happen after intermission as Rich got our focus back on the game and we finished off a close game in Board 6 style with fairness and class, which were two of Rich's greatest qualities.

After hearing the shocking news on Monday I immediately thought of the way Rich approached every game with great integrity, I will carry that with me to every game this season to honor his memory.

TJ Calabrese

 

A Tribute to Richie Federowicz
Written by Board 6 Member, Sandy Hoffman

I am not sure what to say or even how to say it. I have tried to gather my thoughts and convey them.

We all face adversity and tragic instances in our life. We all take our time on earth for granted, and as much a cliché as it is, it rings so true, “life is way too short.” Board 6 lost one of its own, a great guy and a great friend in Rich Federowicz. When Zeke called me with the horrible news, I, as most of you, was in absolute shock. Richie was at such a wonderful time in his life, a loving companion in Maureen, looking at retirement from working and officiating, traveling, enjoying his grandchildren and “living the good life.”

Richie and I have been friends since we took the IAABO exam in 1976. So many games, so many stories and so many nights at Applebee’s. If you walked into Applebee’s after a night of working and Rich wasn’t in his spot in the bar, he must be in his sixth or seventh overtime, he was always there to listen.

I realize today more than ever before that Board 6 is really not about officiating. Sure, it’s what we do and what we love, but it’s really about life-long friendships; the people that we meet, the friendships that we enjoy, the lasting bonds that no one outside of this special fraternity can ever understand. The countless nights we spend away from home with that special family that are our brother and sister officials. Richie was one of those special people. He had so much passion for what he did, the hours and hours he put in with the ratings, trying so hard to improve an impossible system. I can remember so many of those nights at Applebee’s or on the phone or at Dunkin Donuts when he would talk about what he could do to improve the system. He genuinely wanted what was best for the members and wanted to know how he could help to get that done.

When Gerry McGrath passed away, myself and Zeke had overwhelming tasks. Richie stepped up and offered his daily help with anything we needed to make Board 6 continue to function without missing a beat. He was always there to help.

When I threw my back out at a meeting, Richie and Zeke drove me home, carried me into the house and went back to pick up my car; all the while laughing at my expense, but always there to help.

When I was recovering from my heart surgery, Richie was at my house at least two times a week, to make me go for a walk with him, get me jogging as I felt better and lifting my spirits. He was always there to help.

I last spoke with Richie the night of the meeting, he was working a scrimmage and couldn’t attend. He told me that he would call me on Monday to schedule our meeting time at Applebee’s for opening night. We were starting our 35th year together and would officiate our opening night together and kick off another season. I joked with him that he was “the R” so he better be ready to carry me. That phone call never came only the sad words from Zeke that Richie had passed away.

Many of you may not know that it was not until September of this year that he actually decided to ref one more year. I wanted him to stick around and hit that 35-year pinnacle with the rest of our class and go out on top. I was so happy that he decided to give it one more go.

He won’t be on the court with me Wednesday night, but his spirit will be with me. He is still “the R” and he is still going out on top.

Rest in peace my friend.