Basketball Court Named in Honor of Buonocore

For a man who’s experienced and accomplished so much, a refreshing trait about is that he sees each day as an opportunity to make a difference. And, when a day brings a special tribute, the former Navy serviceman is as delighted about it as a sailor embarking on a maiden voyage.

“Right now, I’m on Cloud 9,” said Buonocore about the June 25 ceremony that marked the renaming of basketball court in his honor. “I’m surprised. I’m really appreciative of the fact they recognized me [particularly] when it comes out of nowhere, something like that.”

Those who know Buonocore, a past first selectman of Branford and currently chairman of the local Board of Recreation, probably would differ with that latter assessment. Naming the court after him is the town’s way of recognizing Buonocore’s decades of community service and, most especially, his devotion to Branford’s youngsters and families through his commitment to recreational activities.

“I’ve been active in the since before the Community House existed,” said Buonocore, who came to Branford in 1956. Among the first projects to which he gave of his time was fundraising for the planned facility.

Buonocore grew up in New Haven’s Fair Haven section. After a four-year stint in the Navy, he focused on a civilian career in engineering. He earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of New Haven and, later, a master’s degree in education from Central Connecticut State University. Buonocore taught electrical engineering at Waterbury State Technical College for 24 years.

His community contributions have included leadership positions with the Branford Hills Civic Association as well as with his church, Saint Elizabeth, and Branford’s American Legion Post 83.

“Where there was a need and I could fill the gap, I would fill the gap,” said Buonocore.

With athletics, “I like to see student progress. I coach both young people and adults,” he said, citing “the gratification” as reason for his long-term involvement. He’s coached youth basketball and men’s and women’s softball, and guided Branford Little League teams to win five town titles. Buonocore’s now-grown children – he recently remarried after the death of first wife Nancy three years ago – helped propel his recreational activities.

“I coached their teams. I enjoy being active and being with the kids.”

At the same time, Buonocore developed a political career. What he viewed as the threat of local overdevelopment led him to switch his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 1979. “I had to go the other way to get attention, to get some control over the town of Branford,” he said. He subsequently held office as first, second and third selectman. As a 102nd district state representative from 1992 to 1996 he helped revive and push through a resolution prohibiting flag desecration.

Buonocore is convinced that acting on one’s convictions sets a positive example for young people. Alex Palluzzi Jr., head of parks and recreation for Branford, agrees.

“He’s just an amazing person. I’ve known him since I was 5 years old. I came to this building [the Community House] the first day it opened and Dom was there,” said Palluzzi, citing Buonocore’s ongoing guidance and support as a mentor and friend.

Buonocore received word of a second honor during the June 25 ceremony. He’ll be among Branford Sports Hall of Fame inductees in November. The choice was an easy one, Palluzzi said.

“He really has a sense of what parks and recreation is all about,” said Palluzzi, adding, “He knows we need parks and recreation more than ever because of the [economic] times. People are not taking a lot of vacations. Dom is all about looking at and improving the quality of life for all ages. He gets it – and there are very few people that do.”