By Philip R. Devlin
(November 14, 2026) — A large crowd gathered at the Haddam-Killingworth High School football field on November 13, 2026 to honor Haddam native Tom Grasso, a former HKHS star football player, student, football coach, and teacher. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, Tom Grasso joined the United States Army, eventually becoming a Green Beret sergeant and a recipient of the Silver Star for valorous action in Afghanistan in 2015 where he and 22 other Green Berets successfully fought more than 2,000 Taliban for an incredible 130 hours. Tommy died unexpectedly last May.
Tom’s many contributions both to his community and to his country have not been forgotten. At the game, his #57 football jersey was retired by the HKHS football team in his honor. His high school coach, Dennis O’Rourke, was present at the ceremony along with numerous other of Tom’s former teammates, former teaching colleagues, and coaches. Coach O’Rourke remarked, “It is most appropriate for Tommy’s jersey to be retired. He was not only a deeply committed, outstanding player, but he was also an excellent football coach and teacher who sacrificed much in service to his country. I am very proud of him.”
Tom’s wife, Denna, and their three children, Aynslee, Cayden, and Bode came up from North Carolina for the ceremony. More than twenty other members of the Grasso family attended as well, including his parents, John and Denise, and his brother, Rob and sister-in-law, Michele. Dozens of former teammates and friends also attended this moving ceremony.
Tom’s remains will eventually be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Right now his Silver Star medal is under review and may be upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Should that upgrade succeed, that will change the format for his interment substantially. Thus, the delay for his burial.
The HKHS football team, which participated in the pre-game retirement of Tom’s number 57, was undoubtedly inspired by the ceremony and went on to defeat Capital Prep by a final score of 21-6!
Photos by Philip R. Devlin
