Tony Zuzzio
Anthony Joseph Zuzzio (August 5, 1916 – April 7, 2002) was a professional football player for the Detroit Lions during the 1942 NFL season. He also played college football for Muhlenberg College in 1938 and 1939.
![]() Zuzzio from The 1939 Ciarella | |
Born: | August 5, 1916 Irvington, New Jersey |
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Died: | April 7, 2002 85) Lawrence, Kansas | (aged
Career information | |
Position(s) | Tackle, Guard |
College | Muhlenberg |
Career history | |
As player | |
1942 | Detroit Lions |
Early years
Zuzzio was born in 1916 in Irvington, New Jersey.[1] His father, Charles Zuzzio, worked as a nickel polisher.[2] He attended Belleville High School in Belleville, New Jersey.[1][3]
Football player
Zuzzio attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.[4] He played college football at Muhlenberg under head coach Doggie Julian as a tackle during the 1938 and 1939 seasons.[5][6][7]
In 1942, Zuzzio played professional football as a lineman for the Detroit Lions.[4] He appeared in two games for the Lions during the 1942 season,[8] before he was drafted into military service.[9] He was released by the Lions on September 30, 1942,[10]
Military service and later years
Zuzzio enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces on October 7, 1942.[11] He served throughout World War II and was discharged in 1946. He received the American Theater Ribbon (for service in the American Theater of Operations), Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.[1]
After the war, Zuzzio became a high school teacher and coach.[9]
In 1977, Zuzzio was inducted into the Belleville High School Hall of Fame.[1] From 1964 to 1966, he also worked as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.[9]
In April 2002, Zuzzio died at age 85 in Lawrence, Kansas.[12][13]
References
- "Zuzzio services". Lawrence Journal-World. April 10, 2002.
- Census entry for Charles Zuzzio. Son, Anthony Zuzzio, was age 13. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Year: 1930; Census Place: Belleville, Essex, New Jersey; Roll: 1327; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 320; Image: 936.0; FHL microfilm: 2341062.
- Tony Zuzzio, Pro-Football-Reference.com. Accessed June 10, 2018.
- "Tony Zuzzio". DatabaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
- "Mules Point for Holiday Victory Here". Reading Eagle. November 22, 1938. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
- "Muhlenberg Shows Way: Gains Verdict by 13-6 in Game With Drexel Combination". The New York Times. November 6, 1938.
- "Berks Lads Among 17 Mule Seniors". Reading Eagle. November 28, 1939.
- "Players-Tony Zuzzio". NFL.com. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
- "Anthony Zuzzio (obituary)". Topeka Capital Journal. April 10, 2002. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
- "Grid Lions Drop Two, Rehire One". The Pittsburgh Press. September 30, 1942.
- Enlistment record for Anthony J. Zuzzio, born 1916. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database on-line].
- "Anthony J. Zuzzio". The Morning Call (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania). April 11, 2002.
- "Former Lions Guard Zuzzio Dies". Associated Press Archive. April 11, 2002.