The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Family establishes Ciotto memorial fund
FARMINGTON — As a tribute to a Wethersfield couple who spent their lives committed to community, friends and family members gathered last week to announce the establishment of the Biagio “Billy” and Jeanne Ciotto Memorial Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
It was created to honor the life and legacy of these longtime civic leaders, according to a press release.
Former 9th District state senator Billy Ciotto, who died at 91 on March 20, dedicated seven decades of his life to public service, the news release said. He represented Wethersfield, Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell and Middletown for six terms, and was chairman of the Transportation Committee.
“We are so proud that our parents legacy will be carried on through this fund,” Joe Ciotto said at the event. “They both cared deeply about the communities and people who had helped them along the way, and always taught us to think of others and give back to those that helped you along the way. This fund is a great way to carry out their legacy.”
The couple was married for 66 years, and, during the early years of their marriage, Billy Ciotto often worked three jobs so his wife could stay home with their five children. He held various roles over his 42year career in the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, including as a deputy commissioner, the statement said.
During his time at the State Capitol, Billy Ciotto was “renowned and respected for his unique ability to reach across the aisle and bring about common sense, bipartisan legislative solutions.” Following the Senate, he joined U.S. Rep. John Larson’s office to serve as his ambassador-at-large, a role he performed until shortly before his death.
“Dad loved being a public servant,” Maria CiottoLarose said at the event. “While he was a proud Democrat, my father didn’t care what party you were in and was willing to work with anyone to achieve progress for the residents of Connecticut. He was also grateful to continue his service to Connecticut through his work in Congressman Larson’s office.”
Jeanne Ciotto, who died April 22 at 91, was raised in Hartford, graduated from Weaver High School and worked in Hartford before raising a family. She was a longtime volunteer at Hartford Hospital.
The fund has been established as a donor-advised fund with the Ciottos’ children and grandchildren serving as advisers on the fund’s annual grants that will focus on needs in the Hartford region, including mental health issues, Italian heritage, and other programs that would have been of interest to the couple, the release said.
To donate to the fund, go to bit.ly/3izFXYw. For information, visit hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.