Sam Riti, a Yonkers community leader, was recently recognized for his 50 years as a high school basketball referee.
Riti, a veteran who has devoted his life to serving others, has won numerous awards for his dedication to public service. He was a Veterans advocate in the Yonkers community.
The Board of 52 Basketball Officials recognized him for his work refereeing tens of thousands of young basketball players over the past half-century.
On December 5, 2022, Anthony Fischetti, President of Board 52, presented Riti with an IAABO-branded watch, pen, key ring, and money clip.
Bill Bohl also recognized Riti for his contributions as an employee and retiree representative of Branch 387 Letter Carriers Yonkers, NY. Sam served on the Executive Board of Branch 387 and was honoured with a 50-year pin and gold card for his devotion to athletics.
Riti is also the 2021 – 2022 recipient of the New York State AMVETS American Veteran of the Year Award. This award is given to a Veteran who exemplifies service to and for Veterans in various settings, such as hospitalized Veterans, ROTC, JR ROTC, community, and state-wide. This is Sam’s second time receiving this award; the first time was in 2005-2006.
Sam has also received the National Award for “Silver Helmet Veteran of the Year” in 2014 and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from President Trump in 2018 for his lifelong commitment to Veterans through volunteer services.
Despite receiving numerous awards and serving for many years, Sam says he still enjoys refereeing and will do so for as long as he can.
