One of Westport’s most legendary figures has died. Nicholas Zeoli — known for decades here, in Wilton and far beyond as “Nick” — died on Wednesday at Norwalk Hospital. The coach, educator and proud World War II veteran was 98 years old. Nick was born on July 1, 1923 in Saugatuck to parents Dominick and Lillian Valiante Zeoli. He was the oldest of 5 children: brothers John and Eugene, and sisters Helen and Jeanette.

Nick had fond memories of growing up in Saugatuck, playing football and baseball on the local fields and for Staples High School. He gave up a college scholarship to enlist in the Navy at the start of World War II, and served 4 years in the Pacific aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Boston.