club history

it all started with two brothers and a dream…

the first 50 years

Founded in 1960 by two Cos Cob brothers, Joe and Jim Branca, the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association has raised and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars toward more than 75 college scholarships and numerous youth athletic programs throughout Greenwich.

As the Association celebrated its golden anniversary in 2010, the milestone represented far more than just a tribute to athletes and athletic accomplishments. It marked 50 years of unwavering commitment to community service, scholarship support, and youth development.

The idea for the Association was sparked by Joe Branca, a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly fond of golf. Inspired by the sports dinners he regularly attended in Stamford, Port Chester, and surrounding communities, Joe envisioned a similar organization in Greenwich—one that would raise funds to support local athletic programs and offer college scholarships to deserving students. He enlisted his brother Jim to manage administrative and treasury responsibilities, and together they launched the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association.

From its inception, the Association attracted prominent former athletes and local officials. It quickly grew into the area’s largest contributor to youth athletics, boasting more than 1,000 members and supporters today.

Early board members included town leaders, educators, business professionals, and members of the press, all of whom played key roles in establishing and growing the organization. The inaugural class of honorees in 1961 featured local figures such as J.B. Conlon, Tony Manero, and George Smith, alongside national sports legends like boxers Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, and baseball executive George M. Weiss. That same night marked the first time Dempsey and Tunney had shared a head table since their iconic heavyweight bouts. Just two years later, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, MLB Commissioner Ford Frick, and NBA President J. Walter Kennedy were honored in another historic first—having the leaders of all three major sports leagues on the same stage.

Since its first dinner in 1961, these annual events have drawn over 600 attendees, including local and national sports figures, members, and supporters. Program books sold at the events have become a key fundraising tool, evolving from 32 pages in the early years to over 125 pages by 2009. Originally illustrated by Greenwich Time editor Ted Yudain, and later by renowned cartoonist Tony DiPreta, the books include advertising, honoree bios, and messages from leadership.

In 1997, the Association launched a second major fundraiser: the Branca Brothers Charity Golf Tournament. Drawing 128 golfers annually, it raises significant funds through entry fees, sponsorships, and prize raffles. In 2009 alone, the dinner and golf tournament combined raised nearly $70,000, all of which went directly back into the community.

The organization’s mission, established in 1961 and reaffirmed in 2006, remains steadfast:

• To encourage youth activities and sports

• To foster the fellowship born through athletics

• To promote sportsmanship

• To honor outstanding athletes and contributors to sports

Early leadership included President Joseph Branca, Vice Presidents Nicholas Bologna and Francis Higgins, Treasurer James Branca, Secretary Hank Katten, and Sergeant-at-Arms Nicholas Verderosa. The first Board of Directors featured prominent locals like First Selectman Griffith E. Harris, Dr. William Bria, Police Chief David W. Robbins, and others.

Notably, sons of founding members—such as Garry Higgins and Griffith E. Harris Jr.—would later serve, maintaining a strong family and community tradition. Other key early contributors included Peter DeStefano, Raymond L. Dunn, Paddy Maruke, Harrison Waterbury, Elwood Wiendieck, Ted Yudain, and Joseph D. Baruno. National figures such as Sam Pryor and George M. Weiss played instrumental roles in elevating the Association’s profile and bringing high-profile honorees to Greenwich events.

Meetings were originally held in the Greenwich Town Courtroom, later moving to the St. Lawrence Club and then Red Men Hall. The annual dinner, held at Laddin’s Terrace until 2005 and now at the Hyatt Regency, has honored 207 local and 136 national sports figures. Notable toastmasters have included Mel Allen, Lindsey Nelson, Ralph Kiner, and for the past 20 years, Mark Yusko.

In 2010, the Coach’s Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced to recognize individuals who have dedicated themselves to coaching youth. This annual March award includes a $1,000 donation to a program or organization of the recipient’s choice. The first honoree was John Kavanagh.

The Association’s signature contribution remains its scholarship program, which began in 1966 with a single $500 four-year award. Over the years, this grew to multiple scholarships totaling $2,000 per recipient annually, with an additional $1,000 one-year Willard E. Hoyt Memorial Scholarship introduced in 1998. Recipients have included Garland Allen—who later became Greenwich High School’s athletic director—and Brian Kelley, now a board member.

Over its first five decades, the Association has funded uniforms, equipment, and scholarships, and supported countless local organizations and events, including:

• Greenwich High School athletics

• Greenwich Boys and Girls Club programs

• Youth football, baseball, basketball, and rugby

• YMCA camper-ships and sports

• Midget, Babe Ruth, Junior, and Senior Leagues

• Greenwich Memorial Day Races

• Special Olympics, U.S. Sailing, and GHS Student Loan Funds

• Gateway Youth Football League

• Greenwich Family Campaign for Youth

• Cal Ripken Baseball, Greenwich Cannons, Connecticut Flames, and more

From day one, the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association has been guided by a spirit of service, made possible by the time, dedication, and generosity of its board and community. As it celebrates 50 years, the organization honors those who’ve contributed to its remarkable journey and looks ahead to continuing its mission for generations to come.