Pat Garramone

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Following an outstanding football career at Hazleton High School from 1942 to 1945 as a two-way player (offensive tight end and linebacker), Pat Garramone was offered an athletic scholarship to Auburn University, which he accepted. He captained the Hazleton High team in his senior year, and in his junior and senior years was awarded all-scholastic honors. In one high school game, he was credited with 26 tackles and he scored the most touchdown passes by an end at the school up to that time. After receiving many offers, he chose Auburn and played varsity ball as a freshman starter for Coach Carl Voyles. Among his teammates were All-American center Tex Warrington and former Cleveland Browns great Frank Gatski. Garramone was selected to the All-SEC third team while at Auburn. His education was interrupted by Navy service. He played football for the San Diego Naval Base team. Following his discharge from the service, he attended the University of Scranton where he played football as a starter on offense and defense for three years for Pete Carlesimo. He received small college all-state honors and was named to Muhlenberg (Tobacco Bowl champions), Lebanon Valley and Albright all-opponent teams. He received pro football inquiries from the Los Angeles Dons, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Yankees and Baltimore Colts. He played semi-pro football with the Bethlehem Bulldogs, who were affiliated with the Philadelphia Eagles at that time, and the Shenandoah Presidents. He coached the Bristol Saints semi-pro team as a co-coach with Steve Van Buren. The Philadelphia Eagles used the Saints as a farm team. He also served as co-coach of the Harrisburg Caps, a Baltimore Colts farm team, with Duke Maronic, and served as an assistant coach at the University of Scranton. In the high school ranks, he served a total of 14 years as head coach at Trenton, Bethlehem Liberty, and Mount Carmel high schools. Following his retirement from high school coaching, he was affiliated with the Air Force Academy football program for many years. In recent years, he has been head swimming coach and assistant football coach at King’s College. Garramone has also made his mark as a top-rated PIAA football and basketball official for 44 years, and he is still active in both sports as an official. He also officiated 13 years in the Eastern Pro Basketball League. In football, he has officiated three Big 33 championship games, one PIAA Class AAAA championship game, and 17 Eastern Conference championship games. In basketball and football, he has officiated numerous key East Penn League and PIAA District 11 games. He is a retired Bethlehem Liberty High School physical education teacher. He and his wife, Gerry, reside at 135 Debbie Drive, Drums. Garramone holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton and a master’s degree from Rutgers University.