Tackett aimed to help young athletes
Longtime official, coach died Saturday at 74
FITCHBURG » Area sports fans, coaches, and fellow referees are mourning the passing over the holiday weekend of Fitchburg resident Buddy L. Tackett, a man who touched the lives of countless young athletes in his roles as a former high school basketball coach and multisport referee.
Tackett died Saturday at the age of 74. Born in Oklahoma City and following time spent at Fresno State University, UCLA, and as a Minor Leaguer in the California Angels’ system, Tackett came to Fitchburg and went to work enriching the lives of those around him.
While he would work with at-risk
youth in the area, he became well known as an official for IAABO Board 44, which serves Northern Worcester County.
Prior to becoming a well-respected official, he was an assistant basketball coach at Notre Dame High on South Street in Fitchburg in the 1970s.
He was also a soccer referee during the fall months.
Calling Tackett “a man of integrity and loyalty,” former Leominster boys’ basketball coach Ron Mazzaferro said Monday that his friend gave so much to kids in need.
“I knew Buddy when he coached at Notre Dame in Fitchburg and for years after as a dependable basketball official. He was a loyal friend — a man of much integrity. He was a good man, a man sincerely dedicated to helping adolescents to a better life,” Mazzaferro said.
Tackett especially gave back to the St. Bernard’s community, as he was a member of the church; his wife, Linda, was the longtime librarian at St. Bernard’s Elementary, and his children — Angel, Matthew, Justin, Sarah, and Josh — all attended the elementary school before moving on to the high school. On Saturday mornings during the winter, Tackett worked youth basketball games at the St. Bernard’s Activity Center as a Parochial League referee.
Many involved with St. Bernard’s basketball programs spoke
highly of Tackett.
Former St. Bernard’s athletic director Jim Beauregard, who helped organize the Parochial League, said: “( Tackett was a) first-class person who genuinely loved the game and was in total support of the area youth on and off the court.”.
Former St. Bernard’s girls’ basketball coach Kate DelleChiaie agreed.
“I’ve known Bud almost my whole life because of his ties to St. Bernard’s,” she said. “I was always so glad when I saw him walk into the Activity Center on game day. He always put a smile on my face and was so pleasant to talk to. He was a kind man with a big heart that was evident in everything he did. He will be missed by so many and especially in the Central Mass. basketball community.
“He was a well qualified and honest official who loved the game of basketball. He officiated with a passion and for the betterment of the players on the court.”
“Buddy was a genuine and caring person,” former St. B’s boys’ basketball coach Mark Pierce said Monday. “He was the type of person who could talk basketball all day with you. He always wanted to know how my team was doing and my family was doing. When it came to refereeing he always believed in fair play and sportsmanship. Buddy always had the best interest of kids in mind. His love for basketball and people will be truly missed.”
Along with his wife, children, and their respective spouses, Tackett is survived by 13 grandchildren.