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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (March 18, 2024) – Legendary Chelmsford High School football coach Tom Caito passed away over the weekend.

Mr. Caito coached at CHS from 1979-1995, before moving on to be the head coach at Merrimack College.

Upon hearing of the loss, former colleagues, players, sports journalists and opposing coaches, as well as many others, shared their condolences via social media.

Here are just some of the tributes to the late coach:

“This man was someone that always made an impact when he stepped (sic) in a room I am honored to call my grandfather. He was someone that was a mentor to me and the strongest person I know.” – Thomas Caito

“He was an incredible coach, but the type of man that he was and the way in which he treated people is what truly separated him from everyone else. He will be sorely missed.” – George Peterson, CHS head football coach

“Athlete or not, we are all better people thanks to Coach Caito.” – Jeff Parks, McCarthy Middle School principal and CHS rugby coach

“Great coach … better man. It was an honor to play for you!” –Lou DiStasi, CHS baseball coach

“A legend in every sense of the word! Tremendous man.” – Michael O’Keefe, former CHS baseball coach

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Former Chelmsford Football Coach Tom Caito. Such a great coach and an even better person. R.I.P. Coach Caito!! You will be missed. https://t.co/TLy8azMFmf

— BMHS FOOTBALL 2024 (@IndianPride2024) March 18, 2024

“One of the best!” – Mike Lynch, retired WCVB sports anchor

“Coach Caito was a positive person in my childhood. Wouldn’t be the person today without him.” – Brian McCray

“One of the absolute legends in Massachusetts high school football in the 2000s. Tommy was as genuine as anyone could be. Great coach, fantastic person.” – John Papas, former football coach and founder of Elite Football Clinics

“One of the great men I have had the privilege of learning from! Truly a special person in every way possible!” – Shaun Hart, athletic director for Burlington Public Schools

“He was known as one of the best coaches in Massachusetts and expected a lot from his players. I always played hard for him.” – Stephen Rogan

“Coach Caito was a great man! You wanted to run through walls for him.” – Joe Dwinell, executive editor of the Boston Herald

“An icon when you talk about HS coaching greats in Massachusetts.” – Danny Ventura, regional high school sports editor and reporter at the Boston Herald

“Tom Caito was one of those “always tough to play against” MVC coaches! His teams were always well coached, hard working and tough!” – Dan Roche, WBZ-TV anchor host and reporter

“Coach was one of the best. Had the honor of playing for him two seasons before he moved to Merrimack College.” – Mark Wholey

“Coach had such an incredible impact on me. I wouldn’t be the man or coach that I am without his influence. I’m forever grateful.” – Willie Edwards, Brown University assistant head coach

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential.  This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students.  For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.