The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Columbus Day to feature Italian mayor for the day, ceremonies
TORRINGTON — Those with deep Italian roots and those without are all welcome to celebrate Columbus Day on Thursday with a morning full of ceremonies, proclamations and entertainment, and to honor a special citizen.
The city’s annual Columbus Day celebration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Columbus Square with the laying of a ceremonial wreath and raising of the Italian flag. The events are hosted by the city and the Torrington Chapter of UNICO National.
A ceremony follows at 9 a.m. at Coe Memorial Park Civic Center, South Main Street, Torrington that will include the raising of the Italian Flag, entertainment, signing of proclamations by the Italian Mayor of the Day, live entertainment and refreshments. The public is invited.
During the ceremony, the National Anthem will be song by Anna Marie Corrola. Presentation of a proclamation declaring October Italian Heritage Month by the state of Connecticut will be made by state Rep. Michelle Cook and Mayor Elinor Carbone. Guest speaker is author Richard Muti.
After the program, live entertainment by the Nutmeg Ballet dancers and accordion music by Chris Cogliano will be provided, along with refreshments.
“The public is invited to attend and celebrate this very special day with Joseph Raymond Barbieri a very special gentleman who has served his community with service above self,” UNICO members said in a statement.
This year’s Italian Mayor of the Day is Joseph Raymond Barbieri. He will be presented with a citation from the state.
Barbieri was born Aug. 13, 1933, and was raised in Torrington by his parents Tarquin and Pauline Barbieri. He grew up with his older sister Adele Benamatti and his cousins Johnnie and Louie Campanelli. He attended North School and the old Torrington High School. Barbieri enlisted in the Army and served from 1954-56. Upon his discharge, he attended classes at Central Connecticut State College.
He met and married the love of his life, Joyce Marlene Weingart in 1957. He has three sons, Raymond, James and Brian, and five grandchildren.
Barbieri worked as a carpenter during the day and had many side jobs nights and weekends. He then moved up to being a construction superintendent and project manager before starting RJB Contracting, Inc. in 1983.
He is a member of the UNICO Club, Civitan Club, and Holy Name Society of Saint Peter's Church. He is Past President of the Civitan Club and currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Cancer Care.
“Joe is a very humble man, who believes in service above self in all he does,” UNICO members said in a statement.
For information on any of these events, call Peggy Hotchkiss, Torrington Chapter of UNICO, at 860-601-8508.