Former CT Baseball coach Frank “Porky” Vieira and his wife, Laura Vieira, were blessed with three daughters.
Frank “Porky” Vieira, one of the most successful coaches in the history of collegiate athletics who amassed more than 1,100 victories in 44 seasons as head baseball coach at the University of New Haven, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 91.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
New Haven University’s athletic department announced his death, describing him as “a towering figure in collegiate athletics and the heart and soul of University of New Haven baseball.”
Senior Associate Athletic Director Bill Mecca mourned the loss of Frank by stating,
“We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Frank “Porky” Vieira,” “He was a true Quinnipiac legend, and one of if not the most accomplished athlete in the history of our institution. Vieira to this day still ranks as Quinnipiac Basketball’s all-time leader in three offensive categories including points with 2,649.”
Bill Mecca
Quinnipiac Men’s Basketball head coach Tim Pecora said,
“May the great “Porky” Vieira rest in peace,” “He is, and always will be, a true Quinnipiac legend. His numbers in both basketball and baseball will never be touched. God Bless.”
Tom Pecora
After starring in men’s baseball and basketball, Vieira was inducted into the Quinnipiac Athletics Hall of Fame in 1976.
He set the all-time program scoring record for men’s basketball (2,469 PTS) and owns the baseball team’s career record for batting average (.424).
Following his time at QU, he served as head coach of the New Haven baseball program. He led New Haven for 44 seasons, retiring in 2006 with a staggering record of 1,127-324-6.
Frank transformed a modest program into a national powerhouse, compiling 42 consecutive winning seasons from 1963 to 2004 and 44 winning seasons overall.
Frank “Porky” Vieira’s Wife, Laura, Helped Him Turn His Home Into His Hall Of Fame
Frank “Porky” Vieira married Laura Vieira. However, their exact date of marriage has not been revealed yet.
Laura has avoided the media spotlight, so little about her life is known.
Living together in their West Haven home on Grove Place, Laura played a significant role in helping to celebrate and preserve Frank’s legacy.
When Frank decided to turn a whole room into his own personal Hall of Fame, Laura took charge, organizing every trophy, jersey, photo, and newspaper clipping with care and pride.
She made sure every piece of his story had a place, not just the significant victories but also the small, meaningful moments.
However, their married life ended following the tragic death of Frank. Close ones and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Laura to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Frank “Porky” Vieira And Laura Were Blessed With Three Daughters
Former CT Baseball coach Frank “Porky” Vieira and Laura shared three daughters: Cynthia, Sher, and Debra Vieira.
Cynthia was born on May 18, 1958. She had many passions, but decorating houses, taking road trips, musical theater, and hosting people at her home were some of her favorite things.
She was the proud mother of Alexis Payne and Margaret Vieria. Alexis married Jeff Payne, and Margaret married Brendan Mattia.
Sadly, she passed away on December 12, 2022, at 64, after a long, hard-fought battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Before passing, she requested a “fun party” on December 18, 2022, 2 to 6 p.m. to celebrate her life instead of formal funeral services.
On the other hand, Sher and Debra have avoided social media. They are mourning the tragic passing of their supportive and devoted father, Frank “Porky” Vieira.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Under Frank’s guidance, the Chargers made 35 regional tournament appearances and reached the College World Series 17 times.
- In 1978, Vieira received a “Gold Key,” one of the highest honors for athletic achievement and impact, from the Connecticut Sportswriters Alliance.
