In the year 2008, we honor Anthony Candido , the Committee’s Italian American of the Year.

 Mr. Candido is the Chief Judicial Marshall of the Waterbury Superior Court.  Mr. Candido has had numerous honors bestowed to him over the years for his enduring contributions and memberships in vital nonprofit organizations in our community.  Anthony was the volunteer of the Year in 2005 for Easter Seals and previously, the recipient for its Distinguished Service award.  Mr. Candido has also been very active in the Boys Club and worked as a Chairman on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities.  He has organized numerous successful fund raisers for special needs of disabled children and their families, and was recognized for his generosity and efforts as an organizer and advocate for people with disabilities by Governor Rowland and Congresswoman DeLauro.  Still Mr. Candido finds time serve on the collegiate level as an official for women’s basketball as well as a softball umpire.  An infinite source of remarkable positive energy which takes form of perseverance, strength, and compassion, pervasive throughout his professional and personal life.

The Milford Columbus Committee is proud to name Anthony Candido the 2008 Italian American of the Year.

Our 2008 Special Recognition Award goes to

Mr. Bruce Kolwicz 

As Director of the Public Works Department, Mr. Kolwicz is well known around our fair City for his level of professionalism and his tireless work to make Milford and our community a better place for all of us.   A former member of the Republican Town Committee, Bruce has been very active over the years in politics and in community minded organizations.  During the early 90’s Bruce served as assistant to our Mayor Lisman. He is a board member of the Connecticut Association of Street and Highway Officials (CASHO).  He also serves as Director of the Solid Waste Advisory Board, since 1993 and has received awards for his efforts on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Junior Major Little League.  Bruce has also a recipient of the Milford Star of Respect, the Humanitarian Award for People with Disabilities. His contributions and his dedication are a source of inspiration to all of us.

The Committee presented this year’s Special Achievement Award  goes to

Mr. Cyrus Settineri.

 Cyrus Settineri is a hard working and very successful Entrepreneur and an   uncommon Humanitarian with a unique ability to affect positive change in our community.  Indeed, Cyrus has been devoting his time and talents in extraordinary ways, a lifetime pursuit for him, and a role model to the rest of us. Mr .Settineri is active in industry, charity, and civic organizations, both local and national. He is on the Admissions Committee and the Broker Advisory Board for the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, and the Knights of the Grip. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Milford Rotary Club and traveled as their representative to Tanjay Philippines in 2002 and 2003 to open an emergency medical clinic. He was on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, chairman of Major Corporate Donations for United Way and developed a unique program for Junior Achievement. He is also a trustee for the Milford Fine Arts Council. Presently Cyrus is a Commissioner of the economic Development Commission of Milford, a board member of Milford Progress, Inc. and serves on the board of Directors of United Way.  Our Special Achievement Award carries our appreciation and respect to Mr. Cyrus Settineri.

Past Honorees who held the distinction of Italian American of the Year

       2007 Gary Montano

     2006 Keith Mello

        2005 Paul Lewis Otzel, Esq.

     2004 Dr. Anthony J. Cernera     

    2003 Mayor James Richetelli     

    2002 Louis and John D'Amato

    2001 Dr. Anthony Russo

    2000 Dr. Lawrence DeNardis

    1999 Alberta Jagoe

    1998 John LaBarca

    1997 Fred DeLuca

    1996 Dr. Nick Coassin

    1995 Armand Cantafio

    1994 Leonard Napoli, Sr.

    1993 Jim Agro

    1992 Dr. Gioacchino Parella