The local youth sports world lost one of its most faithful friends March 13. Dave Ruotolo, the Connecticut Little League District 4 administrator, lost his battle with a long illness.
Dave spent many, many years volunteering his time and efforts to make sure that all girls and boys in this area that wanted to play softball or baseball would be able to in an organized way. He was a fixture at the local fields, taking in games and enjoying the sports that he so loved.
With the start of the 2013 softball and baseball seasons quickly approaching, I know that Dave had planned ahead to ensure that all the kids of his Little League District will have a successful season. Dave was a selfless man who went through his life helping others. He especially was a true champion for the girls in the local softball programs. Many of us saw how proud and happy he was this past summer when his District 4's Juniors softball team won the Eastern Regional Tournament that he has been hosting for the past 20 years, earning them a spot in the Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington.
With tears flowing from his eyes after the win he clearly showed his passion for the game, his dedication to "his" softball girls and the love for his daughter Jocelyn, who was the head coach. I am forever grateful for what Dave has done not only for my three daughters, but for all the kids in the area Little League programs.
Kathy and family, it is with true admiration and deeply felt gratitude that he will live on in each of our hearts forever. 
Frank Koches
Orange
Frank Koshes is past vice president of Orange Little League Softball and father of Katie, who was the pitcher for Dave's District 4 World Series team.