Route 8 bridge dedicated to Joseph Mascetti

HARWINTON — Deputy Speaker of the House Michelle Cook, D–Torrington, hosted a ceremony Tuesday dedicating the bridge on Connecticut Route 118, which overpasses Route 8 in Harwinton, in memory of late state Rep. Joseph Mascetti, who was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1920.

“Joseph contributed so much to our community and state, I am honored to be part of this initiative to formally recognize his contributions and preserve his legacy,” Cook said Tuesday. “Joseph was a leader in his community, and had a profound commitment to public service. We can all learn from his accomplishments and dedication.”

“Our entire family is truly grateful for Rep. Cook's efforts to recognize one of our state's pioneers in road building,” said Garrett Eucalitto, Mascetti’s greatgreat grandson. “While I never knew him, I grew up hearing about his immigration to America, his launching of his own roadbuilding business, and his dedication to his trade and efforts to connect ourtowns and cities in the early 20th century.

“Joseph Mascetti is a reminder of what makes America great: immigrants coming to our country, contributing to their community, and planting their roots and building for the future,” he said.

According to a statement from Cook, Mascetti immigrated to Connecticut in 1898 from Olgiate Comasco, Italy and built some of Connecticut’s first concrete paved roads, including the Torrington-Litchfield Road and TorringtonThomaston Road. He also built several roads throughout New York.

He began his career as a stone cutter and transitioned to road building. By 1905, Mascetti had won contracts to build roads in Harwinton, Norfolk and Newington, among others. In 1910, he formed his own road contracting business with Irving B. Holley.

In addition to his own entrepreneurial endeavors, Mascetti was a prominent figure in his community and mentored numerous Italian immigrants in launching their own construction businesses.

Mascetti served three oneyear terms as selectman for the town of Harwinton after being elected to the board in October 1921, according to the statement.