By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Third Avenue Park was renamed The Ralph Eberle Park in honor of the late councilman at a dedication ceremony Sunday.
Mayor Nancy R. Rossi helped Eberle’s wife, Lisa, and his daughter, Victoria, remove a black shroud revealing a wooden red, white and blue sign in his memory, as dozens of friends, loved ones, and former and current city officials who served with Eberle looked on.
Eberle, a lifelong resident of the neighborhood he represented on the City Council, served the Center’s 3rd District from Dec. 1, 2013, until his death on July 8, 2017, at age 52.
The afternoon dedication, held on the park grounds at Third Avenue and May Street, included remarks by Rossi, West Haven Fire Department Chief James P. O’Brien and City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large, all of whom served with Eberle on the council.
Also speaking was state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, and Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant, was the master of ceremonies.
Rossi said Eberle, a Democrat, was a public-spirited member of the community who served West Haven well, including serving as president of the PTA Council.
“I have such fond memories of Ralph,” Rossi said. “He was a leader with a commitment to public service and an independence that reflected the concerns of his district.”
The 2.1-acre park, also formerly known as Chamber of Commerce Park, was recently renovated with a new playground and basketball court.
Eberle loved to sail, according to those who knew him best, and worked as a manager at North Sails, an international sailmaker based in Milford. He graduated from Platt Technical High School in Milford.