John Merullo

John Merullo

John Merullo
(Football, 1964)


This 2011 inductee is one of the original founders of the Danbury High Hall of Fame, 1964 graduate John Merullo. John was a three-sport athlete at Danbury High who has long roots in the city. While at Danbury High from 1960-64 John played three sports, football, basketball and baseball. In football he was a three year starter, playing offensive and defensive tackle and was the punter his senior year playing under Coach Ed Crotty with assistants Gus Edwards, Roger Schmiedel, Marty Green and Rich LaPine. Senior year he was co-captain and was awarded the Kiwanis Club Award as the outstanding football player for the 1963 season. During his senior season John was also second team All-FCIAC and named to the Nutmeg All Star west squad. John was also a three year varsity baseball player for Coach Clayt Haviland, playing either catcher or first base and finished his DHS playing career with a .300 batting average. He also was junior class vice-president and was in two school plays. After graduation from Danbury High, John attended Bridgton Academy as a post graduate and played football, baseball and basketball. He then attended the Police Specialized unit. By the time of his retirement in 2001 John was working in Danbury with the Special Investigations Division, completing a thirty-three year career in law enforcement. John's coaching career began with Pop Warner Football with assistants Bart Dunn and Ken Salem. He was also a volunteer coach for little league baseball and DAYO basketball. After his retirement from the police department, John joined the Danbury High football coaching staff under Coach Rick Davis and remained a volunteer coach through the 2010 season. During that time the team played in two league championships and one state semi-final game. In 2006, John was inducted into the Old Timer's Athletic Association of Danbury. John has been married for 39 years to his wife, Betsy, and they have a son, Timothy.