The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Celebrating 41 years of service
Portland officials salute retiring head of building, grounds
PORTLAND — It was a modest event for a modest man as town officials and members of his professional and personal families joined to salute and thank Paul E. Bengston, the school department’s director of building and grounds, upon his retirement.
A Portland native, Bengston has worked for the town for the past 40 years. He officially ended his career with the town Friday. Throughout, Bengston earned the respect, affection and admiration of legions of students, parents, teachers, and virtually everyone who has met or come to know him.
A succession of school administrators came to rely upon him, officials said.
During an intimate going-away party this week in the middle school cafeteria, First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield said perhaps Bengston’s greatest contribution to the town may have been his central role in the renovation and expansion of the high school.
Those at the reception included members of the school custodial staff, Bengston’s successor, Carl Johnson, currently the town’s grounds crew leader; Selectman James K. Tripp, Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Robert J. Shea, Public Works Secretary Laura S. Merk and Land-use Administrator Ashley Majorowski.
The school department was represented by middle school Principal Scott Giegerich, Meg Wright, the superintendent’s administrative assistant; and Jennifer Gochee, the school administration’s accounts payable, payroll and personnel specialist.
“I know you didn’t want any fanfare, but you’ve been a partner, and, really, a leader, in this district. You’ve done an awful lot for the all the schools. Now, as you move on to more days of fishing, I wish you a lifetime of success,” Giegerich said.
“It’s been quite an experience; a lot of great days,” Bengston responded.
“It always seems that you make it the best day. You love everyone. That’s certainly a gift you have,” Bransfield said.
Superintendent of Schools Philip B. O’Reilly and the central office administrative staff took Bengston out for a farewell lunch Thursday. When he returned, O’Reilly offered his assessment of Bengston and the role he has played in the Portland school system.
“Throughout his 40 years of steadfast leadership, he has quite literally shed his blood, sweat and tears for the benefit of hundreds of educators and thousands of students. His loyal thumbprint is indelibly set in each room, on each hallway, and throughout our buildings,” O’Reilly said.
The $40 million school renovation project began in 2003, but Bengston’s involvement began two years earlier, Bransfield said. In the run-up to the renovation, “There were an awful lot of needs to be determined,” she said.
That’s where Bengston came in. “It really is an awe-inspiring project, and it’s a testament to you and the members of the building committee,” headed by Donna Finkelstein, Bransfield said. “It’s a beautiful building, and I do notice it every time I go into it — and so, too, do students, parents and grandparents. It’s really a very proud monument to you. You are a quality person,” she said.
Bransfield then read a certificate of appreciation prepared by her executive secretary, Michelle Ceppaglia. In it, Bengston is thanked for “the time, effort and work” he had invested in service to the town. “The town has greatly benefited because of Paul’s diligent work, gentle mannerism and excellent leadership,” the proclamation continued.
It extended the town’s “respect and appreciation” to Bengston, and wished him “a happy and healthy retirement.”
His voice thick with emotion, Bengston said, “I learned one thing: You’re only as good as the people who work for you. I had a great, great crew to work with, so thank you very
“Throughout his 40 years of steadfast leadership, he has quite literally shed his blood, sweat and tears for the benefit of hundreds of educators and thousands of students. Superintendent of Schools Philip B. O’Reilly
much.”
“You were great to work for!” Johnson called out as tears welled up in his eyes.
Nodding in agreement at his longtime friend, Bengston said, “If we all work together, we can do a lot of great things,” adding he is “going to do some more hunting and fishing before the season ends — and whatever my wonderful wife wants me to do.”
The Bengstons’ sons, Stephen, a member of the high school’s athletic department; and Ryan, a Portland police officer, led the assemblage in the ensuing laughter.
After Bengston had shared pieces of a cake and both hearty handshakes and warm hugs, Laura Merk walked up to Bengston, leaned in, and said, “Have fun.”
Bengston smiled his thanks.