Nick Koules, a legendary Stamford sports figure, passed away this morning at the Sunrise Assisted Living home in Stamford. He was 92.
Koules, who had been in declining health, was a longtime fixture on the Fairfield County sports scene, officiating in baseball, basketball and soccer for more than six decades.
Koules was well known to coaches, players and fans alike, and remained an active referee until a few years ago. Last winter he attended a number of high school basketball games, often with Lou Filippetti, his long-time friend and colleague.
“He was a close friend and I’ll certainly never forget him,” Filippetti said. “What he’s done for me and sports in the Fairfield County area. He had a heart of gold and we will certainly miss him.”
Koules was renowned for working as many as 10 games a day on weekends. In his 67 years as a referee and umpire, Koules worked a number of championship games at all levels.
One person who knew him best is Mike Walsh, the Trinity boys basketball and assistant baseball coach, who also is active in youth baseball in Stamford.
“There has never been an official who knew how to control a situation in games better,” Walsh said. “We lost a legend. All the lives he touched and people who respected him. We will miss him. There is only one Nick Koules and there will always be only one Nick Koules.
There will be a complete story in tomorrow’s edition of The Advocate.
The State of CT. has lost a giant in the sports field. Everyone knew Nick and appreciated his dedication and compassion for sports, but most of all, he enjoyed being around the kids who played these games.
Comment by jjs — November 20th, 2009 @ 11:39 am
WHITEY WALSH!
Comment by john — November 20th, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
I am a 42 year old man, who can remember Mr. Koules doing my first football game ever. I was 8 years old and a very good friend of my Uncle Nick. I am now a High School football coach and even years after that game he still remembered it was my first and would tell me what I did wrong even 30 years later. He is a legend and an icon. The City of Stamford and even the FCIAC should do someting besides a moment of silence in his honor.
Comment by Phil Koda — November 20th, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
Nick Koules was a Connecticut Icon…..From the 1st time he scolded me for not getting in the batter’s box quick enough, to talking with me during games, Nick Koules was truly a sportsmen who all respected. My only disappointment was Nick never ran for mayor of Stamford. He surely would have won, and Stamford would’ve been better for it.
Comment by John O'Neill — November 20th, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Crissy! That’s what he always called me and how I will always remember him fondly for it. I too had the scoldings and warnings. When they came from Nick; you listened. Will always remember the Nick and Vic show at Cubeta; they were always together umping just about every game in town. God Bless Nick Koules.
Comment by Chris Cascia — November 20th, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
I remember Nick well. My First High School basketball game when he called me for traveling. He put me right in my place when I questioned him. I also remember giving me a little support in baseball during a big at bat vs. wilton when i needed a time out to collect myself. He was a good man! (circa mid ’80’s)
Comment by frank — March 25th, 2010 @ 6:04 pm