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                                                                                                             A small Biograghy for a large person        

John was born on Chrismas day 1978 to mother Gail Ciampi (she passed away Jan. 17 1997), his fathers name was John, he left home when John was 5, never to be seen again. He was raised by his Grandparents Roberta and Vincent Ciampi in Pelham. His Great Grandparents Basil (Buzzy) and Mary Ciampi had a great influence on John also, along with his Aunt Lori and his two Uncle Vincents. Not having a father must have been hard for John but he had his family and we were always there for him. John was always big, he was born 13 lbs. 6 oz, this gave him some problems as a child, kids in the neighborhood wouldn't play with him and made fun of him. But as John grew older and got involved in sprots this would change. He started with Baseball, he was a catcher and sometimes pitcher, his size and strength were his assets, hitting home runs almost every game. He became an idol for most of  the kids in the school, they all looked up to him for guildance. Soon after he became big enough to play football, and he excelled in the sport . Always on the line playing offense  and defense  he loved to play.



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When he graduated Pelham High School he was offered a scholarship at Hofstra but it was withdrawn (they didn't think he was big enough). He was very upset, he wanted to be a Dutchman. The University of Southern Connecticut gave him a scholarship so that�s where he went. John wasn�t happy there so after a year he left. Hofstra wanted him but wouldn�t give him a scholarship so his Grandfather paid his first semester. When the Coach saw how good he was he gave him a scholarship that next semester. He loved playing football and it showed on the field. But there was more to John than just football. John had a heart that matched his size and his friends would attest to that. He was called a giant lovable teddy bear, and this was true. He loved playing pranks and goofing  around with his friends , he was  like a big kid.
      Although I helped raise John, for the 20 years I knew him I didn�t really know him at all. After his death, hearing all the wonderful things his friends had to say about him touched  me deeply. There was a warm tender side of  John I didn�t know. You wouldn�t expect this from such a big  guy. I wish I knew this side of him. I shared all the good and bad times he had growing up, the memories are fresh in my mind. A day doesn�t go by now that I don�t think of him and shed a tear thinking of what he could have accomplished. I know that not only his family and friends, but everyone who knew John will miss him greatly. I also know that we all must go on with our lives, but for now I want feel the  pain in my heart, to remember his face, to hear him call my name. I'll miss him greatly and remember him always.  I was proud to have known him, he touched so many it's hard to believe he's gone. John's dream of playing in the NFL looked to be coming true we all wanted to share that dream, to be there with him, to make it to the top. Whether John  made it or not doesn't really matter, to every one that knew him he make it. To me  John was larger than life, he made it to the top.
                                                          Love forever  Uncle Vin


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