Feb. 7, 2012

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.-- The Atlantic 10 Conference softball umpires and women's basketball officials will honor former coordinator and observer Nick Cinquanto by wearing commemorative black patch during A-10 games this season.  Cinquanto passed away Sunday, January 22.

Cinquanto, who served as the Conference's Coordinator of Soccer and Softball Officials and as a women's basketball officials observer, spent 20 years in various capacities with the Atlantic 10. He began his career with the league evaluating officials in 1988.

"It is a fitting tribute by our officials and umpires to honor Nick Cinquanto by wearing black patches," stated Bernadette V. McGlade. "Nick was an exceptional administrator who was greatly respected by the coaches, athletic directors and officiating staff. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to his family during this difficult time."

Cinquanto's obituary is below:

CINQUANTO NICHOLAS P. JR., age 62 on January 22, 2012 of Bensalem, PA. Loving husband and best friend of Victoria L. (nee Witkowski). Dear father of Christopher Cinquanto (Rae Ann) of Severn, MD and Nicole DiZio (Dan) of Churchville, PA. Loving grandfather of Nicholas and Christina Cinquanto and Danny and Michael DiZio. Dear son of Mary Jane (Paolella) Cinquanto and the late Nicholas P. Sr. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends. Nick was a graduate of Germantown Academy Class of 1968, Ryder College Class of 1972. He retired from the Pennsylvania Board of Pro-bation and Parole after 35 years. He was the NCAA Regional Coordinator of soccer officials, Conference Supervisor/-Coordinator of Officials (soccer) Atlantic 10 Conference (DI), Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (DII) and Colonial States Athletic Conference (DIII), Board member of EP&D Soccer Association College Assignor. Nick was regarded as one of the premier Fast Pitch Umpires in the United States. He was inducted into the Inter-national Softball Federation and the Philadelphia Softball Hall of Fame. He also worked for the National Football League Drug Testing. Nick's NCAA officiating experience dates back to 1978 and includes rising to the Division II level in basketball and Division I level in soccer, softball and baseball. Relatives and friends are invited to Nick's Life Celebration Thursday Eve from 6 to 8 P.M. at GALZERANO FUNERAL HOME, 9304 OLD Bustleton Ave. (below Welsh Rd.)., Phila., PA 19115 and also Friday morning at the funeral home from 8:30 to 10 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass 11 A.M. at Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church, 225 Bellevue Ave., Penndel, PA. Interment Resur-rection Cem., Bensalem, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Nick's name to the Germantown Academy Baseball Program, 340 Morris Rd., Ft. Washington, PA 19034-0287. To share your fondest memories of Nicholas, please visit: www.lifecelebration.com