Tag Archives: Perrin Delorey

Remembering Perrin Delorey, At 18

Posted on March 20, 2026 | 7 comments

Perrin Delorey was a 10-year-old Westport Little Leaguer, ice hockey player and Cub Scout. He died in June of 2018. following a car accident after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Perrin’s memory has been kept alive by his family, friends, Little League and Staples Tuition Grants. On Wednesday, his father James posted on Facebook:

Today is our son Perrin’s 18th birthday.

Perrin was a thoughtful young man with a great future ahead of him. Angela and I talk about him all the time, as do his little sisters, Mireille and Elodie. He truly is present in our family of 5.

Perrin Delorey earned a Little League game ball in May 2018.

Perrin’s friends and classmates are now high school seniors, making plans for career, public service, university. It is both difficult and wonderful to see all of their accomplishments these last 8 years – performing in school plays, excelling at athletics, making music, volunteering in our community, climbing mountains, becoming Eagle Scouts, becoming adults.

These dreams and hopes are like those we had for Perrin, and what we have now for Mireille and Elodie.

Perrin at McGill University.

This year Perrin’s classmates, led by his “identical cousin” Philip, have created the Perrin Ryan Delorey “Do Your Best” Award, a Staples Tuition Grant that – because of the generosity of so many – will be given in perpetuity to help students pursue their dreams of higher education.

The award is modeled, in part, on Westport Little League’s Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award, presented not to the “best” player, but to the player who works the hardest to improve and help their teammates.

Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams. He was a big Boston Red Sox fan.

We are so inspired by all the recipients of this award, and look forward to the continued adventures of Perrin’s peers as they enter adulthood.

What will they teach us? Where will they take us? What will they teach others? What kind of families will they build? How many people will they help? Who will they love?

We had all these questions and great expectations for Perrin, and now have them for his little sisters.

Perrin in a Princeton shirt, from his aunt Francesca Ryan.

Today, on Perrin’s 18th birthday, please, if you can, take a deep breath, say Perrin’s name out loud, and do your best to help someone else’s dreams come true.

(To donate to Perrin’s Staples Tuition Grants award, click here. Then choose “The Perrin Delorey ‘Do Your Best’ Award,” from the drop-down menu — it’s near the bottom of that list.)

Perrin, with his Cub Scout Eclipse Award.

Perrin at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore …

… and at his mother Angela’s Hamilton College hockey rink. 

Perrin with his godfather, Professor Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos, at the University of Toronto.

At Yale Bowl, for the Yale-Harvard game.

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Roundup: Duck Rescue, Book Shop Anniversary, Ann Chernow Birthday …

Posted on February 2, 2026 | 4 comments

On Saturday, Westport water pollution treatment plant supervisor Joe Tracy was making his rounds. It was cold; he was breaking up ice in one of the tanks.

He heard odd noises coming from the post-anoxic effluent basin. Stopping to investigate, Joe removed the heavy grating. Two mallard heads stared back up at him.

They were neck-deep in brown “foam” — trapped in one of the spillways.

Joe contacted on-duty Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, across the street. He jogged over with a long net.

The ducks, a male and female — were transported back to Westport Animal Control, to warm up and be cleaned.

Officer Peter Reid, at Westport Animal Control.

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Julie Loparo showed up with corn. She rocked the ducks like a baby in a warm towel.

WASA volunteer Sara Stockman arrived with frozen peas, and provided additional bathing.

Officer Reid happened to have a can of “gourmet” meal worms ready as well. He then took the mallards to Wildlife in Crisis. They were monitored, as they restored feather oil prior to release.

Thanks to all — starting with Joe Tracy — for going above and beyond, in weather that was cold even for ducks.

Ducks — before (left) and after rescue.

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The Westport Book Shop‘s 5th anniversary celebration continues this month.

Head to the Jesup Road store to see a special mosaic, by the legendary Miggs Burroughs. It celebrates the 60+ local artists who have exhibited there each month.

The Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets February 25 (6 p.m.). They’ll discuss 2
stories by Alice Munro: “What Is Remembered” and “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.”

Registration is required: Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

And in honor of Valentine’s month, make a $10 donation to support the Book Shop — and its mission of providing training an employment for people with disabilities — and get a chocolate bar, courtesy of Wegman’s.

You can also honor a loved on on the “Heart of Heart” window display.

Westport Book Shop “Heart of Hearts” display.

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Ann Chernow — one of Westport’s great artistic treasures — turned 90 yesterday.

She celebrated with family and close friends. “06880” joins the rest of the town in saying congratulating an artist who has enriched us in so many ways — from her work and her volunteer efforts, to her always-smiling presence.

Happy birthday, Ann!

Ann Chernow (Hat tip and photo/Jamie Walsh)

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Perrin Delorey — a 4th grader at Greens Farms Elementary in 2018 who played baseball and hockey, and was a Cub Scout — died in a car accident shortly before summer break.

Those 4th graders are now Staples High School seniors. They have not forgotten him.

Perrin’s cousin and best friend, Philip Sullivan, have created n endowed scholarship in his name. The first “Do Your Best” Award will be presented by Staples Tuition Grants this spring.

More than $30,000 has already been raised, ensuring that the funds will be awarded in perpetuity.

A new fundraiser is planned, so that the grants will be the maximum allowed under STG bylaws.

A community skating event is set for February 10 (7:15 to 8:45 p.m.; Westport PAL Rink at Longshore).

Everyone is welcome — to skate, watch, and enjoy the DJ and food. A photographer will capture the community feel.

At 9 p.m., a Perrin Delorey Memorial Cup hockey game will add to the fun. Click here to purchase tickets, and learn more. 

Philip says, “one of the most special parts of this event is the range of community support behind it. There could be an entire story on the individuals, businesses and community groups that have donated precious time and money to help us raise the necessary funds to establish the award.”

He gives a special shout-out to Staples Tuition Grants, the Staples Class of 2026, Staples Service League of Boys,  Staples boys and girls hockey teams, Westport Parks & Recreation, Scout Troops 39 and 139; Videler Photography, the host committee of individual and family donors, “06880,” and “countless members of the community who have helped us get so far with our fundraising efforts.”

Perrin Delorey

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Wakeman Town Farm’s February calendar includes classes and activities for all ages. They include:

  • Storytime with Mosaic & Movement (ages 2-6; February 4)
  • Drop-in Knitting Circle (February 10)
  • Kids’ February break Needle Felting Workshop (ages 11-14; February 16)
  • Winter cooking for Minis and Kids (grades K-2; 2-4)
  • Mardi Gras Cooking (February 24)
  • Meet the MVPs of Garden Tools (February 25).

Click here; then scroll down for details.

“Cooking for Kids,” at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport — a great organization that welcomes new arrivals and longtime residents alike — has a busy February. Events include:

  • Galentine’s Day Luncheon (February 12, noon, Zucca Gastrobar
  • Dining-In Cooking Group (February 25)
  • Book Group (February 26)

To learn more click here, or email eventsnnwestport@gmail.com.

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It’s like one of those “back in the day …” photos: frozen Sherwood Mill Pond.

Matt Murray — who chronicles the ever-changing scene there — offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

But even he hasn’t seen it like this too often.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of the great duck rescue (story above):

(If you click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880,” everything will be ducky. Thank you!)

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Remembering Perrin Delorey: With Love And Hoops, For A Great Cause

Posted on November 23, 2025 | 4 comments

On Friday evening, the Staples High School fieldhouse rocked. Over 120 Service League of Boys members and friends paid $25 each to join an energetic basketball fundraiser.

The beneficiary was a cause close to home: Staples Tuition Grants.

But the event was even more meaningful, for the many participants who remember Perrin Delorey: an elementary school baseball and hockey player, and Cub Scout. In his honor, Westport Little League presents a Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award each year, to players who model his sportsmanship and team spirit on the field. 

Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams. Perrin was a huge Boston Red Sox fan.

He would have been a Staples senior this year.

His friend Philip Sullivan writes:

This evening, I participated in my 4th and final SLOBS basketball fundraiser.

Next spring, the class of 2026 will graduate without our beloved classmate, Perrin Delorey. Tonight’s basketball fundraiser will benefit a scholarship named to honor Perrin’s memory.

Perrin was a 4th grade student at Greens Farms Elementary in 2018 when he died in a car accident shortly before summer break.

As a class, we were devastated. But for me the tragedy struck also at home. Perrin was my first cousin, and my best friend.

Perrin Delorey’s cousin Philip Sullivan (right), with Staples Service League of Boys fundraising chair Zach Gillman.

To preserve his memory, and to honor him by recognizing another member of our class with a Staples Tuition Grant, I am partnering with friends and family to create an endowed award in Perrin’s name.

The first award will be given to a member of the Staples class of 2026 this spring.

We have already raised more than $10,000 toward our goal of $25,000 to establish the award. Last night, the award was the very fortunate beneficiary of the basketball fundraiser.

A huge turnout for the Perrin Delorey Staples Tuition Grants fundraiser.

Many of Perrin’s friends were there, as was Perrin’s and my grandfather, Bill Ryan. He served as one of the referees.

To all who have participated and supported our efforts to grow this award, I extend my warmest thank you. If you would like to contribute directly to the Perrin Ryan Delorey “Do Your Best” Award, please click here.

Congratulations to SLOBs organizers: president Rei Seltzer, fundraising chair Zach Gillman, Philip Sullivan, and all the SLOBs who helped run the event. There are over SLOBs this year. Besides the STG fundraiser, they participate in a wide variety of volunteer projects, all year long.

Congrats too to the basketball champions: Evan Sealove’s team; to all 40 teams of participants, and to all the parent and student volunteers as referees, timers and more.

Thanks too to Pizza Lyfe: donors of 35 pizzas for the hungry crowd.

The winners were all freshmen! From left: Emanuel Linvald, Augie Francis, Brody Chlupsa, Evan Sealove.

Jordan Ginsberg, Sportsmanship Award winner.

 

Among the many participants: Perrin’s friends (from left) Michael Brennan, Jacob Marcucio and Charlie Curran.

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Roundup: Scholar-Athletes Honored, Perrin Delorey Winners, Saugatuck Church Pride …

Posted on June 9, 2025 | 4 comments

Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner last night was — as always — a highlight of graduation week.

Athletic director VJ Sarullo and coaches presented plaques to one senior from each varsity sport.  They were honored for their achievements beyond the field, court, track or pool. They were leaders in the classroom too, and the community.

Each answered one question about their academic interests, passions and hobbies. Those ranged from cancer research with fruit flies to ballroom dancing; from using a 3D printer to create prosthetic limbs, to gardening.

There are 40 varsity sports at Staples. Fall honorees were Sawyer Dalzell, Annabel Edwards, Tyla Ozgen, Perrin Root, Samantha Sandrew, Megan Sargent, Danielle Schwartz, Leo Skatoff, Aidan Stubbs, Grace Zhang and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.

Winter sports honorees were Sofia Alarcon-Frias, Alessandro Alderucci, Rhiya Anand, Will Boberski, Audrey Curtis, Josh Ginsburg, Alexandra Hackett, Ella Harrington, Alexis Krenzer, Cooper Paul, Katherine Phelps,  Tyler Signorile, Adam Udell, Evan Wallitt and Ben Zwick.

Spring sports honorees were Mark Adipietro, Nina Bowens, Ben Cukier, Shreyas Gorre, Madeline Hendley, Nate Hordon, Sophia Novello, Rachel Pontoriero, Cameron Prior, Vivian Shamie, Ryan Tzou, Edward van der Merwe and Sadie Vincini.

Sarullo handed out other awards too. The athletic department’s top 2 honors — the Thomas DeHuff and Jinny Parker Awards — went to Jake Goldshore and Addison Coughlin, respectively.

Laddie Lawrence Foundation scholarships of $7,000 each were presented to Sam Rondon, Preston Sirok and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.

Nolan Francis won the Junior Leadership Award.

FCIAC Life Teammate Awards went to Brian Divino and Molly Whittle.

Prepzone founder Steve Divino and longtime trainer Corey Iamonico received Staples Athletics Appreciation Awards.

Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo, and trainer Corey Iamonico. (Photo/Michelle Garrity)

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Speaking of sports: James Delorey sends this “love letter to Westport Little League”:

“On Saturday, the Westport Little League presented Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Awards in each of the league’s 4 divisions. What a beautiful day!

“Players nominate the teammate they believe exemplifies sportsmanship and effort to improve. The coaches say the kids ‘get it,’ and always seem to nominate players who, like Perrin, may not the star players but support their teammates and do their best to improve their game.

“Seven years ago this month — even before Perrin’s funeral had taken place — Westport Little League held a moving celebration of his life. They retired his Cubs #5 on the wall of Kowalsky Field, where he played his last game days before, and announced their intention to make sure players and their families remembered him and his spirit.

“Every year we hear from the Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award nominees, and the winners and their families, about how much this award means to them.

“Yesterday Perrin’s sisters Mireille and Elodie got to celebrate with some of the nominees and winners — including one who lives on our road and who never met Perrin — and hear how Perrin’s memory is now a meaningful part of their lives. Tears now as I write.

“Our family is so grateful to Westport Little League and to the players, coaches and families who join, give, volunteer, and do their best to build a community of good. Play ball!”

AA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Rivington Hall (holding plaque), with fellow AA Division nominees, Perrin’s father James, and sisters Mireille and Elodie Delorey. (Photo/Adam Hall)

Presentation to AAA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Benjamin Gionfriddo. (Photo/Brian Marcucio )

A Division nominees with Perrin’s friend, Staples High School junior Harrison Sydor. Finnegan McDuffie (not pictured) was the A Division winner. Other nominees were (from left) James Ettinger, Patrick Downing, Kyle McInerny and Colton Galati. Also not shown: Royal Anderson. (Photo/Brian Marcucio)

Majors Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Sam Katz. (Photo/Bill Ryan)

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Saugatuck Congregational Church celebrated Pride yesterday, with a fun-filled event on their broad front lawn.

The day included music, games, food, a cakewalk … and of course a rainbow-colored bounce house.

(Photos/Lois Himes)

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Congratulations to Jordan O’Brien!

One of the founding members of the all-female Troop 139, just finishing her junior year at Staples, she had her Eagle Court of Honor yesterday.

Jordan’s parents are heavily involved in scouting. Katherine O’Brien served as Troop 139 scoutmaster for many years, while her father Andy O’Brien is scoutmaster of Troop 36 (where Jordan’s 2 brothers are also Scouts.)

Jordan O’Brien (center) and her family. (Hat tip and photo/Maggie Gomez)

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Sunny the Duck is back!

He/she/it is out advertising the Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Great Duck Race, at Hartford HealthCare on the Post Road.

The event is June 28, at Jesup Green. For details — and a chance to win some of the $10,000 in prizes — click here. 

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Werner Liepolt says: “Respect your local snapping turtle” — especially during egg laying season. “She can easily snap off a finger, or a dog’s nosy nose.”

He “snapped” today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo on Green Acre Lane.

(Photo/Werner Liepolt)

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And finally … Roger Nichols died last month, at his Oregon home. He was 84.

You may not know his name. But if you were alive in the 1970s — or have ever been to a wedding — you certainly know the best-selling song he wrote:

(Have you begun to support “06880”? It’s very simple: Just click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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A Cub Scout Story, For Everyone

Posted on September 15, 2024 | 8 comments

“06880” would not normally devote the main story of the day to an invitation to join Cub Scouts.

The focus is too narrow. Our lead story should appeal to a much broader segment of our very large audience.

But this piece is different. As you read it, you’ll learn about the back story behind James Delorey’s request that I post his piece. He writes:

My daughter Mireille just started kindergarten at Greens Farms Elementary School. She asked me to invitate all her classmates to join Westport Cub Scouts Pack 39.

Mireille says she wants her friends to “learn how to hike and make s’mores.” She is excited to be a Cub Scout, and I am excited about all the things our family will get to do with her.

Mireille Delorey, with s’mores.

Cub Scouts is open to all youth – boys and girls – in kindergarten through 5th grade. Every family is welcome.

Lion Cubs (kindergarteners) will learn the Cub Scout motto, “Do Your Best,” make new friends, and learn communication skills and problem-solving through fun, hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy.

Any kindergartener-5th Grader interested in joining Cub Scouts or learning more is very welcome to attend a Westport Cub Scouts event (see information at the end of this story).

A few things in Scouting have changed since I became a Scout as a kid. Now, every youth from every family is welcome. There is a priority on safety and responsibility.

I’m proud that Westport Cub Scouts Pack 39 was among the first in the country to welcome girls. Thousands of girls nationwide have completed Eagle Scout service projects and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, including Scouts from Westport’s Troop 139. Westport’s older Scouts in grades 6-12 do amazing things in Troop 36, 39, and 139.

We know you’re busy with soccer, music, dance, karate, hockey, baseball and life in general. Lions works around your and your child’s busy schedules. It is also a beautiful opportunity for parents to make lasting memories with their children. These experiences mean so much to my wife, Dr. Angela Ryan, and me.

You may have seen the bench and beautiful dogwood tree in the Greens Farms School playground dedicated to our son, Perrin Delorey. He died in an automobile accident in 2018, when he was 10.

Perrin was an all-around beautiful kid. He loved Westport Little League, basketball, hockey, skiing and piano.

He was also a Cub Scout in Westport Pack 39. He did amazing things thanks to doors opened by Scouting parents, like visiting the NBC Sports studios, getting up close to a priceless 1962 Ferrari GTO at Lime Rock, learning how to cast a fishing rod, racing Pinewood Derby cars, throwing tomahawks (safely!), hiking in Devil’s Den, learning how to say “Do Your Best” in sign language, singing songs for residents in a nursing home, skiing his first ski jumps, and camping for the first time.

Perrin Delorey, with his Eclipse Award in 2017. He earned it by showing visitors to the Westport Observatory how to safely view a partial eclipse.

I marvel at how much Perrin grew from the time he joined in 1st grade, to when he was introducing a skit in front of hundreds of Scouts at a campfire just a few years later. I am so excited that Mireille and her friends will be able to experience things like that.

Mireille and I hope to see you at an event. You and your families are welcome to attend. Siblings are welcome too.

Please check out WestportCubScouts.com. Feel free to mail me at jdelorey@gmail.com if you have any questions or suggestions for the coming year. It will be fun!

PS: If you’re not in Westport, you can find a Cub Scout pack by entering your zip code at BeAScout.org.

Mireille Delorey, hiking in Acadia National Park.

Upcoming events (all are welcome):

  • Cub Scout Open House, featuring Mad Science (Today, Sunday, September 15, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Green’s Farms Church)

Cubs will enjoy a fun and interactive science presentation, and adults can learn more about Pack 39 Sunday, September 15th, at 2:30-4:00 p.m.

  • Harvest Campfire (Friday, September 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Earthplace)

Cubs will do a short hike, learn how to have a fun and safe campfire, and have pizza and apple cider.

Among the activities planned for the upcoming year:

  • Scout Day at Lime Rock racetrack
  • Cub Scout safari and campout
  • Army football game at West Point
  • Hikes in Westport and nearby areas
  • Traditions Night
  • Pinewood Derby
  • Community service event at VFW Post 399
  • Bear Carnival (run by our 3rd grade Bear Cubs)
  • Snow tubing at Powder Ridge
  • “Blue & Gold” banquet
  • Westport Memorial Day parade
  • Bicycle rally
  • Beach party.

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Perrin Delorey Funeral Service, Baseball Memorial Set

Posted on June 15, 2018 | 1 comment

Westport is saying goodbye to Perrin Delorey, the 10-year-old Greens Farms Elementary School student who died this week in an automobile accident.

The Delorey family will receive friends at St. Luke Church on Monday (June 18, 4 to 8 p.m.).

Friends are also invited to Perrin’s mass of Christian burial on Tuesday (June 19, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Perrin’s honor to Boy Scouts of America Greater New York Councils or National Down Syndrome Society.

In addition, Westport Little League Baseball has announced plans for a tribute tomorrow (Saturday, June 16, 1:30 p.m. at Kowalsky Field).

Perrin’s baseball and hockey teammates, and his Boy Scout troop, will participate.

Perrin loved baseball — particularly the Boston Red Sox. Less than an hour before the automobile accident, he had visited the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

His parents and grandparents have been very active Little League supporters. “We grieve with them,” says Westport Little League Baseball and Softball president Jeffrey Brill.

Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams.

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Remembering Perrin Delorey

Posted on June 12, 2018 | 17 comments

Jeffrey Brill — president of Westport Baseball and Softball — sent this very sad statement tonight:

As many of you in the Little League community learned today, Perrin Delorey, a 10-year-old Westport Little League player, passed away tragically following a car accident on Sunday afternoon after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Perrin passed with his Little League glove beside him. I will always remember him, as he appears in this photo after receiving a game ball this Spring season on May 5.

Perrin Delorey

On behalf of Westport Little League, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Delorey family and friends.

I am sending this note not only as the President of Westport Little League Baseball and Softball, but also as a coach of his AA team, the Cubs. I have gotten to know Perrin very well over the years while coaching him in baseball, basketball and soccer.

Wearing #5 on the Cubs this season, Perrin embodied the ethos and spirit of Little League. He exuded the team player concept and was committed to working hard to help his team.

Awarding him a game ball earlier in the season, and seeing his face in the moment, was a highlight of the coaches’ and players’ season. He was the most improved player on the team this season, and a joy to coach. My co-coaches and his prior coaches all echo this sentiment. He will deeply missed by his teammates, coaches and friends.

This news hits the Westport Little League community especially hard in these circumstances. Perrin’s first cousin, Phillip Sullivan, plays on the AA Brewers team and his grandfather, Bill Ryan, is a longtime friend and supporter of Westport Little League. Please join me in supporting the Delorey, Ryan and Sullivan families during this incredibly difficult time.

RWestport Little League intends to honor Perrin in a number of ways that we will be announcing and we will share different ways you can honor his memory.

When Perrin’s mother mentioned to me that Perrin would miss the Cubs playoff game this past Saturday, I promised her that Perrin would play another game with the Cubs after Saturday — no matter what happened this past Saturday on the field as a function of the double elimination nature of the playoffs — and reassured her that he should not miss out on a trip with his family and a visit to Cooperstown.

While the latter was certainly true about spending precious time with his family, I could not have been more wrong about the former, as events off the baseball field dictated the tragic course of events.

If we can take anything away from this senseless tragedy, it is that life can be transient and fragile, and one should relish every moment with one’s loved ones on the field and off the field.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Perrin’s family and friends.

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