MILFORD COLUMBUS COMMITTEE
MILFORD COLUMBUS COMMITTEE
NEWS & EVENTS
The Milford Columbus Committee
2026 Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 14, 2026
2026 Award Recipients
Italian American of the Year
Ray Vitali
Ray Vitali’s life and career reflect a lifelong commitment to education, public service, and the Milford community. A lifelong Connecticut resident who grew up in New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School, Ray developed a strong work ethic through early summer jobs as an iron worker, lifeguard, and driving instructor. He went on to dedicate 44 years to education in Milford, serving as both a teacher and administrator at Orange Avenue School, Seabreeze, CPM, CGS, Live Oaks Elementary School, and Harborside Middle School. His leadership included 23 years as principal of Live Oaks Elementary School, two years as principal of Harborside Middle School, and service as principal of West Main Street School’s summer school program during the 1970s.
After retiring from education, Ray continued serving Milford as an elected member of the Milford Board of Aldermen beginning in 2007, ultimately serving nine terms over 18 years. His civic involvement included service on numerous city committees and commissions, and his community leadership extended to organizations such as CommuniCare, the United Way of Milford, the Milford Prevention Council, the Milford Youth Network, the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, First Night Milford, and the annual Milford Oyster Festival. Ray also created “Folks on Spokes,” a fundraising bicycle tour benefiting Bridges Health Care that has continued for 36 years, and helped establish environmentally focused, accessible gardens and a citywide 9/11 memorial garden at Live Oaks School. His many honors include the Bridges Community Service Award, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Humanitarian Award, the United Way Champion of Caring Award, the Milford Chamber of Commerce Human Service Award, the Liberty Bell Award from the Milford Bar Association, the Key to the City of Milford in 2025, and induction into the Republican Hall of Fame in 2026. Away from his professional and civic commitments, Ray enjoys woodworking, stained glass, and bicycling, which has taken him more than 26,000 miles. His legacy is one of leadership, generosity, perseverance, and an enduring belief in giving back to the community he has proudly served for decades.
Special Achievement
Anthony Fabrizi
Anthony Fabrizi, a Bridgeport, Connecticut native raised in a proud Italian family, began his career as a certified tool and die maker while also pursuing his passion for music as a professional guitarist with I.N.C. (Indestructible Noise Command). At age 20, he joined Huntington Fire Company No. 3 in Shelton, where he discovered his calling to serve others and set his sights on the Milford Fire Department. Anthony joined the Milford Fire Department as a firefighter in September 1993, serving in stations throughout the City before rising through the ranks to Lieutenant, Training Chief, Public Information Officer, and, on June 20, 2023, Chief of the Department and Milford’s Emergency Management Director. He also served as a charter member and Rescue Specialist with Connecticut Task Force 1, the state’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, reflecting his commitment to specialized training, technical rescue, and public safety.
After nearly 33 years of service, Chief Fabrizi retired on May 29, 2026, leaving a lasting mark on the Milford Fire Department through his leadership, professionalism, preparedness, and dedication to the community. His selection for the Special Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of a career defined by service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Special Recognition
Judge Ben Gettinger
Ben Gettinger is deeply involved in the local community, serving as Probate Judge for Milford and Orange and as a Commissioner on the Connecticut Law Revision Commission. He also contributes his time as a board member and trustee for several civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, and the City of Milford Council on Aging, and has previously served with the Milford Planning & Zoning Board, Milford Fine Arts Council, Friends of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Milford Zoning Board of Appeals, and South Central Regional Water Authority. Ben earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Connecticut and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he was Managing Editor of the Quinnipiac Law Review, before clerking for the Honorable Francis X. Hennessy of the Connecticut Appellate Court.
He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of several legal and judicial associations, including the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, Milford Bar Association, National College of Probate Judges, Connecticut Probate Judges Association, and Connecticut Probate Court Assembly.
Scholarship Recipients
Andrew Lord
Andrew Lord is a graduate of Foran High School, where he distinguished himself through his academic achievements, involvement in the arts, athletics, and commitment to his community. Andrew was a member of both the Foran baseball team and marching band, demonstrating his dedication, teamwork, and versatility beyond the classroom.
A strong student and active leader, Andrew was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Band Honor Society. He also dedicated more than 200 hours to community service, reflecting his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on those around him.
This fall, Andrew is continuing his education at the University of Connecticut, where he plans to pursue his interest in healthcare.
Lilly Magnuson
Lilly Magnuson is a recent graduate of Foran High School, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She was a member of the Cross Country and Lacrosse teams and was recognized as an All-SCC Academic Team honoree in both sports. Lilly was also an AP Scholar with Honors and a member of both the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa Honor Society.
Lilly is currently a student at the University of South Carolina, where she plans to major in Nursing. Her dedication to academics, athletics, and service reflects the determination and commitment she will bring to her future career in healthcare.
Kaitlyn Vigilante
Kaitlyn Vigilante is a graduate of Foran High School, where she distinguished herself through her academic excellence and commitment to civic engagement. She was a member of both the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa Honor Society, reflecting her strong dedication to scholarship and leadership.
Kaitlyn has also been actively involved in public service and government engagement. She served as a Girls Nation Senator and worked as an intern for U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, gaining valuable experience in civic leadership and the legislative process.
Kaitlyn is attending the College of the Holy Cross, where she looks forward to furthering her academic and leadership pursuits.
