Former Connecticut Sen. Billy Ciotto dies at 91; colorful lawmaker served 54 years in state governme
Source: Hartford Courant
Full Headline: Former Connecticut Sen. Billy Ciotto dies at 91; colorful lawmaker served 54 years in state government, including 12 in Senate
HARTFORD -- Biagio "Billy'' Ciotto, a former deputy motor vehicles commissioner who became one of the most colorful state senators in a career that spanned five decades in state government, died Saturday at his home in Wethersfield after an extended illness. He was 91.
An old-school Italian Democrat who lived a full life, Ciotto was known for telling stories from his 12 years as a state senator and 42 years at the state motor vehicles department.
As word spread in recent weeks that Ciotto was gravely ill at his home, he began receiving telephone calls from Democratic political giants. He took calls from former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, his family said.
He also spoke to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for 45 minutes about their Italian heritage, the recent federal stimulus package and the ongoing pandemic.
Read more: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-sen-billy-ciotto-dies-at-91-20210320-px4a2tx27zd7pdxqm4tl7skycy-story.html
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I didn't know him well personally, but spent many an hour chatting with him over the years. A really charming guy.
I was a delegate at a couple of his nominating conventions, and we attended a number of local fundraisers.
The amazing thing about him was, with all the people he must have known over the years, he always recognized me and called me by name.
A great guy and very popular all over the state and Northeast.
Response to George II (Original post)
LetMyPeopleVote This message was self-deleted by its author.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,999 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)I'm sure this is a big personal loss for Nancy Pelosi. I can certainly understand why Pelosi would become friends with him and would want him to attend her swearing-in ceremony.
SheilaAnn
(9,664 posts)TexasTowelie
(111,301 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)My wife says probably from a broken heart.
They were together for about 70 years. God bless them.