Fred Fugazzi graduate from Missouri Valley College in 1965, and was an outstanding football player.  Fred died tragically at the age of 36 while trying to aid a stranger breaking up a fight on Nov, 5, 1977.

Fred was a star fullback at New Dorp High School in Staten Island, NY, gaining more than 2,000 yards, averaging over 100 yards per game, and five yards a carry.At Missouri Valley College Fred helped lead the Vikings to an Undefeated season his sophomore year, a team the finished 6th nationally in scoring and 18th in rushing.  Fred was a team co-captain his senior year while earning All-Conference, All-Missouri, and NAIA Little All-American Honors.  Fred rushed for over 2,500 yards and capped his collegiate career by being drafted by the Boston Patriots.  Instead of pro football, Fred fulfilled a military obligation by joining the Marines playing football for the Quantico (VA) base team.  Injuries while playing football in the service denied him the opportunity to further play football.Fred joined the New City Fire Department and was decorated for bravery on two separate occasions.

Fred was inducted into the New Dorp High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993 and a Fred Fugazzi Memorial Award Dinner fund raiser is held annually.