Hartford's GOP Mayoral Trailblazer, Ann Uccello, Dies At 100

HARTFORD, CT — Before there was Gov. Ella Grasso when it came to trailblazing women in Connecticut politics, there was Antonina "Ann" P. Uccello.

In 1963, Uccello was elected to the Hartford City Council and, in 1967, she was elected not only as Hartford's first female mayor, she was Connecticut's first female mayor.

Tuesday afternoon, state officials announced Uccello had died at 100. She would have turned 101 in May.

Even more surprising is she was a Republican in a Democratic city, still the last GOP mayor in Hartford.

She held that job until 1971, three years before Democrat Ella Grasso was elected to be Connecticut's (and the nation's) first female governor.

In 1999, Uccello was elected to the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.

Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont Tuesday paid tribute to Uccello, noting she was also the first woman to be elected mayor of a U.S. capital city.

“Ann Uccello was a trailblazer who was born and raised in Hartford and dedicated her career in public service to the city she loved. She fought to expand housing, ensure that children have access to essential services, and encouraged job growth and opportunities in Hartford," Lamont said.

"She had a remarkable spirit and energy, and she leaves a lasting legacy on Connecticut’s capitol city. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz echoed those sentiments.

“Today Connecticut mourns the passing of a remarkable woman. Ann Uccello made history as the first woman to serve as mayor of a capitol city, shattering glass ceilings and commanding attention not just here, but across the globe," she said.

"A beloved mayor and trailblazer, she will be remembered for her energy, grace, and above all, her passion."

Bysiewicz reflected on the times Uccello served Hartford, namely the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s.

She said, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, when the threat of riots overcame Hartford, Uccello "took to the neighborhoods to speak and mourn with residents, encouraging peace."

Bysiewicz said Uccello "served with a level of empathy, understanding and care that is so needed in politics."

"I was very proud to host Ann's 100th birthday celebration with West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor in May of last year and was looking forward to celebrating her 101st," Bysiewicz said.

"She will be greatly missed by myself, and so many others. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones.”

Despite being on the opposite side of the political aisle, Cantor, a West Hartford Democrat, saw Uccello as more of an inspiration than simply being someone from the opposing party.

"Anne Uccello was a remarkable woman. She was an example of strength, intelligence, competence, commitment and passion for the city she cared for so deeply," Cantor told Patch Tuesday afternoon.

"She was an inspiration to women leaders across our state and our country. "

For more information on Antonina "Ann" P. Uccello, click on this link.