
Former New Milford High wrestling coach Joe Neff has died.
Joe Neff, who has coached the New Milford High wrestling team for 13 seasons in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away. Neff died on Friday, Aug. 16.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 1-6 p.m. at Candlewood Valley Country Club in New Milford.
Neff coached the Green Wave for 13 seasons from 1980-81 through 1993-94. He didn’t coach during the 1984-85 season.
Under his leadership, the Green Wave went 180-77-6. Neff, the third coach in team history, led New Milford to four Western Connecticut Conference (WCC) championships in 1986, 1987, 1991 and 1992.
He had four wrestlers (John Devin, Tom Waymouth, Dave Cooper, and Jeremy Boczulak) win Class L state titles, 11 wrestlers place at the State Open and one place at the New England championships.
One of his best seasons came in 1987 when the Green Wave went 21-4, won the WCC championship and finished second at the Class L championship meet. His Green Wave teams finished in the top 10 in Class L tournament seven times.
In 1982, Neff started the New Milford wrestling tournament, which is now one of the oldest tournaments in the state.
Neff grew up in New York State before attending Eastern Kentucky State University, where he wrestled and laid the foundation for his future career in education and coaching. He began his teaching career in Duchess County, N.Y. as a wood shop teacher. He coached baseball and wrestling, sharing his love for sports with young athletes.
In 1980, Neff moved to Connecticut, where he joined the faculty at New Milford High. He taught wood shop but later transitioned to architectural drafting. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he coached football, softball, and wrestling.
He later became a well-respected wrestling official, known for his “Neff Roll,” and was a dedicated softball umpire and volleyball official.
Neff’s teaching career spanned 50 years, touching the lives of students and athletes across generations. He also served 25 years as a guidance counselor for the adult education program, helping countless people navigate their educational journeys.
He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Kathleen Neff, who was his steadfast companion and support throughout his life. He is also survived by his daughters, Danielle Neff and Ashley Parkhurst (and her husband Chris), as well as five cherished grandchildren: Joseph, Gabriella, Victoria, Peter, and Patrick.
Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of Connecticut Wrestling Online. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.


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