State Leaders Honor Parisi at Final Council Meeting

Wallingford’s legislative delegation honored Town Councilor Robert F. Parisi at his final town council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Parisi announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection and would retire from the council at the end of the year. He served for more than 36 years on the town council, making him the longest serving member.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Parisi was presented with an official General Assembly citation from the Wallingford legislative delegation, including Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-34), Representative Vincent Candelora (R-86), Representative Al Adinolfi (R-103), Representative Mary G. Fritz (D-90) and Representative Mary M. Mushinsky (D-85).

The citation read: “We commend you for your close to four decades of service, including 18 years as council chairman. Born and raised in Wallingford, you have been a pillar in the community having served in many civic and political capacities. You have been a role model for many public servants. We thank you and wish you much happiness in your retirement.”

A proclamation from Governor Dannel P. Malloy presented at the meeting also recognized Parisi’s many years of service.

“For 36 years, you have demonstrated your dedication to the Wallingford Town Council, and to all those in your community,” read the governor’s proclamation. “After 18 years of service as the Council’s Chairman, you have proven to be an insightful, passionate, and dedicated citizen. The leadership and skill you have shown throughout your lengthy and notable career has been laudable, and is a testament to your character. Thank you for all that you have down to make Wallingford a better, more vibrant town. I wish you continued success in all of your future endeavors.”

Fasano said in a statement:

“Bob Parisi has done amazing things for the town of Wallingford. His dedication and hard work are astounding and he has been a rock for the town council for decades. Not only was he responsible for so many great projects in town, he also was an integral part of many local and state elections. Without his support as my campaign manager 13 years ago I wouldn’t be a state senator today.”

Candelora said:

“Bob has been a tireless leader for Wallingford. I have always appreciated his frankness and fatherly advice, and I wish him this best. After more than three decades of service, filling Bob Parisi’s shoes will not be an easy task.”

Adinolfi said:

“Robert has been an important member of the Wallingford community for many years, and a dear friend of mine for even longer than that. The impact his service has had on this town is immeasurable. I am especially proud of his work through the Veterans Service Center. I wish him the best in his retirement, though I am sure he will continue to serve in any way that he can.”

Fritz said:

“Our family is proud that Bob Parisi and his family have been our dear friends for some 40-plus years. I welcome the opportunity to commend him for his many decades of honorable service to the greater Wallingford community. He indeed has been a role model for everyone who was fortunate to serve with him and for those individuals who will serve our community in the future. Our family says well done and you deserve a happy retirement.”

Mushinsky said:

“Residents appreciate his many decades of devoted service to the town.”

Pictured: Bob Parisi at his final meeting as a town councilor.