Michael Gozzo was inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame on Jan. 25, 2024. He's pictured here in the center, standing next to WTNH meteorologist Gil Simmons, who served in the Marines from 1990 until 1996. Gozzo is surrounded by several Derby school officials, including Superintendent Matthew Conway on the far right.
DERBY – Long after he answered the call of duty to serve the country as a U.S. Marine 45 years ago, Michael Gozzo continues to dedicate his life to his community.
Gozzo, 62, is the beloved, long-time social studies teacher and running coach at Derby Middle School and is no stranger to racking up accolades. His roster includes medals for his military service, several student athlete state championships, and Derby’s 2018 Teacher of the Year award.
But the latest honor for Gozzo came last month when he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. Gozzo was among 12 veterans to earn the prestigious distinction, which recognizes state veterans who’ve made significant contributions to their communities after retiring from military service.
Gozzo served in the Marines from 1979 – 2000 and was involved in the Persian Gulf War from 1990 – 1991. He began teaching social studies at DMS in 2006.
“I felt very humbled to be selected,” Gozzo told the Valley Indy.
During the Hall of Fame ceremony on Jan. 25, Gozzo and his fellow inductees were thanked by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch.
“You made a significant impact during your military service, and then pledged unwavering commitment, service and volunteerism to our communities,” Welch said in a prepared statement.
That unwavering commitment on Gozzo’s part shines in Derby. In addition to teaching, Gozzo also coaches the cross-country team and leads the Derby Running Club, which he helped create in 2010. The club serves as a feeder program for Derby High School’s highly successful, state title-winning track and field program.
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway lauded Gozzo for his latest achievement.
“Mr. Gozzo’s induction into the CT Veteran’s Hall of Fame is recognition to his leadership, his loyalty, and his unwavering commitment to and sacrifice for this country, this city, and most importantly our kids,” Conway said. “It is recognition of how Mr. Gozzo has always put others before self.”
Love Of Running
Gozzo has always loved to run. He ran on the cross-country and track teams at Bassick High School in Bridgeport. He joined the Marines after graduating high school in 1979.
“I joined the military because after 12 years of school I felt I needed a break instead of going to college immediately,” Gozzo said.
Gozzo first got into coaching after a series of foot injuries in the Marines. He started a running program for fellow service members and continued that for many years. He also earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while enlisted.
He landed his first teaching gig at a middle school in Virginia, where he headed up the school’s cross-country program. Upon moving back to Connecticut, Gozzo helped form DMS’ first cross country team in 2009.
A disappointing 0 – 14 first season for the DMS cross-country team inspired Gozzo and a couple other volunteers to form the running club, which gave kids a training ground during the 10-month off season. It was in that club where Gozzo became a mentor, friend, and confidante to the young teens under his wing. The following cross-country season, Gozzo said the team excelled.
“I wanted to promote consistent training for the runners to build a winning program,” Gozzo said. “Several of our middle school runners moved up to Derby High School and contributed to cross-country, indoor and outdoor track teams, which compiled five state championships.”
Helping kids realize their full potential, both on and off the track, is something Gozzo loves to do.
“I’ve had a pretty good life and along the way good people to mentor me,” Gozzo said. “I want to provide good mentorship and set a positive role model for these young adults to provide them with the chance to be successful as I am. I enjoy teaching because it affords me the opportunity to come in contact with young adults and inspire them at a crucial age.”
After his daughter Isabella passed away in a tragic car crash in 2014, Gozzo helped establish the Bella Vita Foundation in her honor. The organization awards an annual scholarship to a DHS graduate to help navigate their future.
Leading By Example
One of the earliest recipients of the Bella scholarship is DHS Class of 2017 graduate Kiley Rodriguez, or “K‑Rod” as Gozzo has nicknamed her.
“Gozzo was everyone’s favorite teacher, or maybe I’m just biased,” Rodrigues told the Valley Indy. “The community Gozzo created was truly remarkable and he pioneered many of his students and athletes to become successful.”
Rodriguez recalled Gozzo as an involved and straightforward coach. He bought them pizza after road races, she said, and led by example, often running alongside his athletes as they practiced. He was there when she won her first conference championship, when she won her first collegiate race, and when she graduated college last May.
“Gozzo continues to be an incredible mentor in my life; I’m lucky to have support from him,” Rodriguez said.
DHS’ head cross-country coach and assistant track coach, Joe “Muz” Musante, echoed similar sentiments about Gozzo.
“If you ever watch Mike in practice or at a meet, you’ll see him cheering on the last runner to cross the finish line just as enthusiastically as the first,” Musante said. “That is a hallmark of a person who is coaching for the right reasons.”
