His philosophy depicted consistency throughout his athletic and professional life. Personal gain and notoriety was of secondary nature to 1994 Branford Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jack Borzillo just as long as his contribution to his community and his team bettered the group as a whole and strived toward never giving up. Born in Branford and educated throughout the Branford school system, Borzillo played football during the 1940’s for Branford High School under legendary coaches Warren Sampson (1992 Hall of Fame inductee) and 1988 Hall of Famer Johnny Knecht Jr. Borzillo played semi-pro football for several team including the East Haven Rams in 1942. From there, he moved on to play for the Branford Laurels under coach and 1988 Hall of Fame inductee Nick Weted and 1992 inductee Pete Naimo. In 1945, Borxillo played on the gridiron for teams such as the Branford Seahawks (1945), which was a team comprised of East Haven and Branford athletes who played during service time, and the New Haven All Stars (along with 1991 Hall of Fame inductee Bill Hinchey) and the New Haven Blue Bells. In 1951, he entered the service (Army) and was a veteran of the Korean War. Borzillo played football in the military under famous coach Weeb Ewbanks as one of the five non-college players selected out of 120 tryouts for the squad and considered this as one of the greatest experiences in football. The Fort Devins Post Team he played on beat the Yale team of 1951 with coach and 1989 inductee Stu Clancy.
Off the playing field, Borzillo was an original member of the Hornets Nest Junior Football program as a coach with fellow inductee Robert Massey, a volunteer-firefighter for the Branford Hook and Ladder Company for 17 years, a charter member of the Branford Elks and a 15 year member of the Branford Lions Club. In addition to working for Dunbars Pharmacy for many years, Borzillo owned restaurants in Branford for over 23 years.
“To me, this is simply fantastic. This award overwhelms me. Being inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame is the highest pinnacle you can achieve in sports in Branford. I think this is a fantastic award to receive, especially while you are still living,” said Borzillo, who is married to his wife, Mary and the father of two sons, Jay and Christopher as well as the grandfather of two.
