Hall of Fame
Norman Pensero and Utica sports have become synonymous over the past 70 years since “Nonnie” began his athletic career on the hardwood of the West Utica Boys Club. From modest beginnings, his career quickly blossomed as he made a name for himself throughout high school, collegiate, and semi-professional athletics – all in the Utica area.
After an impressive high school career at Utica Free Academy as a football, basketball and baseball player, he decided to continue to pursue his true passion as a basketball player at Utica College. He was a four-year letter-winner, earning Honorable Mention Little All-American recognition his senior season. He currently ranks seventh on the College’s all-time scoring list with 1,169 career points, an especially impressive feat considering that he played prior to the three-point era. In his senior campaign, he was named team captain and team MVP, and garnered the Dean Strebel Award as the College’s top student-athlete.
After graduating from Utica College with a degree in youth leadership under the guidance of Tom Desmond, he began a career of service to his community. As recreation director for the City of Utica and executive director of the Youth Bureau, he developed programs that continue to serve the community today. As well, he coached high school basketball at his alma mater for 13 years, and served on the school board for five. In addition to Utica Free Academy, he has coached a number of CYO teams. For his lifelong contributions to athletics in the Utica area he was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
In retirement, he remains active by working part-time in the Utica and New Hartford school districts, and is an avid golfer. His family includes his wife, Roberta, seven children, and 11 grandchildren.
