New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Fodero posthumously inducted into state Veterans Hall of Fame
NEW HAVEN — Col. Severio “Bob” Fodero has been inducted posthumously into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.
His wife, Janice, accepted the commemorative medallion and certificate on his behalf at a recent ceremony in the State Army National Guard Armory, she said.
Fodero “was the chairman of the New Haven Veterans Advisory Committee for over 30 years and was an advocate for veterans here in the Greater New Haven area,” said longtime friend and fellow veteran Frank Alvarado in a statement.
Fodero’s name will be added to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame plaque located in the State Legislative Office Building in the state Capitol.
Fodero began his military career in the Army ROTC at University of Connecticut. After graduation in 1954, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was deployed to Orleans, France, for two years of active duty, attaining the rank of captain, according to his wife.
Returning stateside, he joined the 340th General Hospital Army Reserves in New Haven. After 30 years of service, he retired as commander of the unit, with the rank of colonel.
Fodero was appointed by then-Mayor John Daniels to serve as chairman of the newly created Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee in 1990, according to Janice Fodero. He held the position through the terms of three mayors, until his death in 2020.
Under Fodero’s direction and with Mayor John DeStefano Jr.’s support, the committee rescued the Veterans’ Commemorative
Plaques from the New Haven Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum before it was demolished. The plaques were rededicated on a new Veterans Memorial Wall in City Hall. Fodero also was chairman of the Orange War Remembrance Committee and the Orange Board of Health.
Fodero also worked at Yale Health, where he retired as associate director after a 42-year career, according to his obituary.
At a wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Day weekend in 2014, Fodero said a prayer.
“Freedom is like the air we breathe, it is something we just have. Many will not understand how precious either is until they’re at risk of being taken away,” Fodero said at that ceremony. “Today we remember a sacrifice made and a debt we cannot repay.”
And in 2009, Fodero was one of several who spoke at the War Memorial Flagpole on the Green as communities across the region marked Memorial Day and honored all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“God bless the United States, and God bless every one of you,” said Fodero.
The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to increase awareness of state veterans who have distinguished themselves after discharge from military service. To date, 168 veterans have been inducted.
Fodero’s name will be added to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame plaque located in the State Legislative Office Building in the state Capitol.