Whitney Playground Field in Westfield to be dedicated to Robert (Chico) Veronesi

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A well-known, longtime umpire in Westfield is being honored on Saturday.

Robert (Chico) Veronesi , will be honored on Saturday by having the City of Westfield (and the Parks and Rec Commission) name the front softball field at Whitney Park after him. He was an umpire for the men’s adult leagues, as well as the women’s league, for 59 years. Veronesi was also a well-known basketball official.

Veronesi was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission beginning in 1978 and was a participant in athletics before passing away from ALS in February of 2022. Veronesi helped to organize and administer the leagues and wrote articles each night for the paper.

A dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the field.

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