After 50 Years of Volunteering in South Windsor, Carino Retires

After 50 years of volunteering in South Windsor town government, Joseph Carino has decided to call it a career.

At last week’s meeting, the Town Council unanimously accepted Carino’s resignations from the economic development commission and the water pollution control authority.

The resignations marked the end of a remarkable run of five decades of Carino’s volunteering in town, something that was not lost on the members of the Town Council, both Democrats and Republicans alike.

Mayor Tom Delnicki said that if there were a Volunteer Hall of Fame, Carino, who is now 90 years old, would be a charter member.

Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano noted incredulously that Carino’s service to the town started around the same time that Bazzano was born.

“He’s a legend in town,” said Bazzano, noting that if one were to place a value on the amount of time and energy Carino spent working for South Windsor, it would probably amount to over $1 million.

Even those who clashed with him in the past expressed their gratitude and respect for Carino.

Councilor Keith Yagaloff said that he had disagreements with Carino while he was on the water pollution control board, but that they were always professional.

“I have the highest regard for Joe,” Yagaloff said. “He’s one of the best volunteers we’ve ever had in this community. He deserves more recognition than we’re giving him here tonight.”