In Torrington, Sen. Seminara helps honor “Italian Mayor of the Day”
October 14, 2023
Mascetti feted as Italian Mayor of Day
UNICO honors devoted servant in Torrington
BY SLOAN BREWSTER
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
TORRINGTON — UNICO named Raymond W. Mascetti its Italian Mayor for the Day on Thursday.
City, state and Torrington UNICO chapter officials recognized Mascetti during a ceremony at Coe Memorial Park Civic Center.
UNICO President David Vaill spoked of Mascetti’s many accolades and achievements.
Born June 3, 1938, Mascetti devoted countless hours to UNICO, including establishing scholarship programs; writing the history of the local chapter; promoting Italian culture through programs during Italian Heritage Month in October; hosting an Italian Heritage program on cable television; promoting materials and funding for Torrington public schools to teach the Italian language; and writing a biography about his great uncle, Joseph Mascetti, a prominent road contractor and former state legislator.
“Raymond is very proud of his Italian heritage,” Vaill said. “One of the highlights of Ray’s life has been his several visits to his ancestral home in Oligate Comasco, Italy.”
Mayor Elinor C. Carbone officially proclaimed Mascetti the Italian Mayor for the Day and highlighted his service to humanity.
“Ray obviously woke up every day and said, ‘This is what brings me joy, this is what fulfills me, this is what makes me an integral part of my community — small things,’” Carbone said. “They probably didn’t feel like big things as they were being done, but when you read them in context, you realize it’s really a wonderful life.”
State Reps. Jay M. Case, RWinsted, and Michelle L. Cook, D-Torrington, and Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon, presented Mascetti with a state citation and read a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont declaring October American Heritage Month.
Cook led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mascetti offered his gratitude for the honors.
“Mille grazie,” he said in Italian. “A thousand thanks, I give you.”

Christina Bator leans over her father Raymond W. Mascetti’s shoulder as state Rep. Jay M. Case, R-Winsted, reads a proclamation. UNICO named Mascetti its Italian Mayor for the Day on Thursday in Torrington. State Rep. Michelle L. Cook, D-Torrington, and Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon, stand to the right of Case.