The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
City celebrates Columbus Day with a ‘new’ mayor
Umberto ‘Albert’ Persechino is Italian Mayor of the Day
TORRINGTON — It was a day that made ItalianAmericans in Torrington proud.
One of their own, a humble, friendly man by the name of Umberto “Albert” Perschino, was elevated to the lofty status of Italian Mayor of the Day in Torrington. Sure, it was for only the day. But on the Columbus Day celebration of 2019, Persechino was the center of attention.
Dressed in a white blazer and tie and with his wife of 60 years, Connie, at his side, as well as his children and grandchildren, the 85yearold Persechino, who has worked at Jimmy’s Market on Main Street for many years after “retiring” from the Torrington Company, was declared Torrington Chapter of UNICO National’s Italian Mayor of the Day for this city of 35,000, many of whom are of Italian or ItalianAmerican descent.
“This was the greatest day of my life, other than when I was married and had my children and grandchildren,” said the committed family man, who is always quick with a smile and kind words for anyone he sees at Jimmy’s Store or walking the streets of Torrington.
A crowd of well over 100 attended the ceremonies at Coe Memorial Park that followed a wreathlaying at the statue of Christopher Columbus off lower East Main Street.
“It is such an honor. The day couldn’t have been better,” Persechino said.
Connie Persechino, who has worked alongside her husband in the kitchen at Jimmy’s Store, whipping up (Al’s) famous meatballs and various other dishes, said, “This is such an honor and pleasure for Al and his family. God bless America.”
Former State Rep. and Torrington UNICO president Brian Mattiello was master of ceremonies for the event, which was also attended by State Rep. Michelle Cook, DTorrington, and other local dignitaries.
“When we choose an Italian Mayor for Day, we look for someone who served his country, knew what it was to work hard, has his or her priorities straight and makes other’s lives better. We found that person this year in Umberto “Al” Persechino,” Mattiello said.
Cook read a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont proclaiming October as ItalianAmerican Month in Connecticut, and adding that ItalianAmericans constitute the largest ethnic group in the state.
Marie Soliani, Torrington City Council member, swore in Persechino, after which he signed two orders, one of which was to raise the Italian flag over the city of Torrrington for the day. He also pinned UNICO Club service pins on longtime members, Dominic and Edgidio Mainella and Tom Ferrarotti.
Persechino was serenaded by Mario Cavallo, who had only recently arrived from his home in Italy to America. He went to his brother Vito Cavallo’s house for a wedding.
Mario Cavallo played what is called in English “the Italian bagpipe.” He was followed by a dance troupe from the Nutmeg Ballet, who performed to several songs, while Chris Cogliano played the accordion as the Persechino family met with friends and wellwishers after the conclusion of the official ceremony.
Bruce Delaini spoke on his father’s service in World War II, with the Office of Special Services in Italy and France. Ashton Tyler, a junior at Torrington High School, played the Star Spangled Banner on the trumpet at the statue of Christopher Columbus and later performed at Coe Park Auditorium.
Persechino was born in Sant’Apollinare, Italy on Oct. 29, 1934. He was one of seven children born to Antonio and Angelina Persechino, who migrated to Torrington in 1948. He grew up in a close knit family of siblings including Lelia, Fiorello, Guerina, Diamonte, Peter and Attilia.
Perschino tells a story about joining the Army and becoming a citizen all in the same day. The day he was enlisting, they asked if he was a citizen. He said no, and they said, “Raise your right hand.”
Upon returning from the service, Persechino married Concetta (Connie) Andria in 1960. Al Persechino and Connie have three children, Rob and his wife Laurie of New Hartford, Diane Lanese and her husband Michael of Waterbury and Janet Persechino Brighton, Mass. Everyone who knows Albert Persechino knows that family is “everything” to him.
Persechino worked at Union Hardware, Torin, and Seitz Corp. and, as mentioned, finally retired from the Torrington Company. He has lived in Torrington for 71 years.