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He was born July 29, 1929. His leadership skills were first recognized during his senior year at Stamford High School, where he was captain of both the track and cross-country teams.
He attended the University of Connecticut from 1947-1951, and received a bachelor’s degree in science. He became an All-American Cross Country runner and standout athlete on the indoor/outdoor track teams. He was also the captain of the cross-country squad during his junior and senior years. He was inducted into UCONN’s Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
While in the Air Force, he earned a master’s degree in education from Boston University. He returned to Stamford and began a teaching career in physical education at Burdick Jr. High School.
He was elected as mayor of Stamford in 1967. Serving during the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, his actions prevented riots throughout the city. Stamford had its worst storm to hit the northeast since 1900 in February of 1969, while he served as mayor. He acquired 128 acres for the city of Stamford to be used as the Sterling Farms Golf Course on Dec. 8, 1968.
He is survived by his former wife, Carmella Guglielmo, who he married in 1953; daughters Esther-Marie and Vera-Lynn (Wolf); and sons, Vincent (Susan) and Angelo (Karen); daughter-in-law, Cecelia Lampitelli, grandchildren, Daniel, Christin, Joshua, Lynn, Carina and Alana; brothers, Ralph (Rose) , Jim (Betty) and Philip; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Stamford and New Jersey.
He was predeceased by his son, Bruno R., brothers Angelo, Frank and Michael (Rose), sister Angelina (Neal) Ferullo, sister-in-law Marian and parents Eglio and Veneranda Giordano.
A private burial is planned with a public memorial service scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Ave., Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in his memory to Stamford Recreation Services, Mayor’s Youth Recreation Scholarship Initiative.
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