CHARLIE STILLITANO

The late Charlie Stillitano played a significant role in the establishment of the sport of soccer in New Jersey. He dedicated himself completely to the advancement of this sport through maximum effort and exemplary actions.

Born in Italy in 1929, Charlie began his soccer career at the tender age of age 14. He was recruited by his home team the Gioiese, in which he played for several years, as his older brothers had done before him..

Charlie played in the Gioiese quickly acclimated himself to his new home. However, he continued to play soccer fervently. He played on many teams, among them were Columbia Soccer Team, Calabria of New Rochelle, Inter Giuliana, Torino of the Bronx, Calabria of New Jersey and Roma Soccer Team.

Charlie later managed Mamma Leone Soccer team and the Calabria Soccer Team of New Jersey.

Besides being a referee for many years, Charlie Stillitano was also the president of the Referee Association of New Jersey. He also served as Assignor of Referees for the Association.

In later years, Charlie was also a technical advisor for the Pingry School Soccer Team, a position he enjoyed very much.

Charlie Stillitano served as Executive Vice President of the New Jersey State Soccer Association until his death in 1991.

Perhaps the most important accomplishment of his life was that he ignited the passion of soccer in the hearts of his sons Charlie and Leo Stillitano, who continue the great soccer tradition of the Stillitano family today.