Heartfelt tribute: Soccer fields at Samuel-Morse Park in RDP being named after Jason Di Tullio

On Thursday afternoon, the soccer fields at Samuel-Morse Park in Riviere-des-Prairies will stand as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy in Montreal soccer will never be forgotten.

Former CF Montreal assistant coach and player, Jason Di Tullio is being honoured with the naming of these fields in his memory — an emotional milestone for fans, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“La Grinta,” the Italian word for perseverance and determination – is a nickname that thoroughly described Di Tullio on and off the field. After his passing in 2022 from a battle with brain cancer, his legacy continued in the soccer world: through a book his mother Giulia Garofano published, and much more — including the naming ceremony Thursday.

“Jason started in this park, he was five years old, me and the family would come and watch him and from the beginning we knew he had “La Grinta” in him – we knew it – just the way he was playing and the love that he had for soccer,” explained Garofano.

Di Tullio earned his stripes at the Rivière-des-Prairies Soccer Club before beginning his professional career with the Montreal Impact in 2002.

He quickly made his mark on the field with his determination and team spirit. Internationally, he represented Canada with the U20 national team, participating in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

After his playing career, Di Tullio pursued his passion by becoming a coach, during which time he continued to inspire and guide younger generations of players.

“Knowing that every kid at any level of soccer will always have “La Grinta” number seven in him, and for me it’s just an honour,” added Garofano.

When CityNews spoke with Di Tullio back in 2021 – he thanked his parents for bringing him to every soccer practice as a kid which led him to making his mark in the soccer community.

“Family is super important,” said Di Tullio in 2021. “Don’t lose a day.”

“Hug them tell them you love them and don’t take it for granted.”

From members of his family to representatives from CF Montréal, all will be present to pay tribute to him and celebrate his legacy in the community. Many in attendance knew Jason personally and couldn’t help but reminisce on the amazing memories they had with him.

“For me, Jason, the best moment was our road trips – I won’t say which one – but all our road trips I used to come back, all my abs used to hurt me from all the laughs I used to have,” said his friend and former teammate Rocco Placentino.

“I had the chance to be with him in the locker room – he was my coach – and all the character, all the values that he gave to the players, to the coaches, to the fans it’s just amazing,” added Hassoun Camara, current Director of Communications at CF Montreal, who had the chance to spend time with Di Tullio.

Caroline Bourgeois, borough Mayor of RDP, who played an instrumental role in the naming of the soccer fields – a process which took over two years –  also spoke at the naming ceremony in honour of Di Tullio.

“It’s in the centre of RDP, everybody who loves soccer, who plays soccer in RDP, everybody comes here in the Park Samuel-Morse, so to have those soccer fields now in the name of Jason Di Tullio, I think is a really good way to honour his memory,” said Bourgeois.

Being recognized not only for his technical skills or “la grinta” that he had, but also for his desire to see soccer flourish in RDP.

“I’m proud that they’re honouring Jason’s legacy. For me it’s great, but my son will always be part of my heart – he’s in here. What they did is amazing, l’arrondissement de Pointe-aux-Trembles-Rivières de Prairies,” said Garofano after the naming ceremony.