Former State Senator, Ass’t. DMV Commissioner, and assist to Congressman John Larson remembered as public servant, mentor to many.
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — A tragic day for Connecticut, as a longtime determine in native politics, and a staple on the Connecticut Division of Motor Automobiles, Biagio “Billy” Ciotto has died. Folks woke as much as the information of Ciotto’s passing at the moment from Parkinson’s illness, an sickness he was battling for a very long time.
His fellow colleagues and constituents say Ciotto performed many roles in his service to the state, and he performed them effectively. He was a state senator for 12 years, an aide to Congressman John Larson for the final 14 years. Most notably, he spent greater than 40 years as a deputy commissioner on the Division of Motor Automobiles. A constructing at DMV headquarters now bears his identify.
FOX61’s Carmen Chau spoke with former State Senator Paul Doyle, who was one in every of many individuals Ciotto mentored.
“He was simply such a particular people-person and he related with individuals a lot. So on the marketing campaign path or wherever, he was considerate however all people I spoke with at the moment who referred to as me, everybody had a narrative of how Billy touched them. And one in every of his unbelievable traits was he remembered all people’s names and family members, however he additionally made a particular connection or contact with individuals like with a reporter, like in your occupation. Keep robust, preserve related and keep sincere. He simply touched individuals. It was one of the best ways to explain him.”
“Connecticut has misplaced an enormous at the moment and the consummate public servant in Billy Ciotto,” stated Governor Ned Lamont in a press release. “A legend who had an influence on numerous lives, Connecticut is best for having had him serving on behalf of our state. He was a champion for the individuals of Connecticut, dedicating over half a century to public service in quite a few management roles. To know Billy was to like him, and as a state, we couldn’t be extra saddened by his passing. His life, upbringing, and dedication to creating the lives of individuals in Connecticut higher is one thing we should always all try towards.”
Ciotto had served on the employees of U.S. Consultant John Larson since 2007. The Congressman stated, “Heaven won’t ever be the identical now that Billy will probably be holding court docket there (with an unlit cigar in his hand, in fact). We’re all saddened by the passing of some of the distinctive human beings that I’ve had the dignity and pleasure of realizing and dealing with. Billy Ciotto epitomized public service, he lived to serve his group. He went above and past public service each single day and communicated on a degree with people who was real, honest, easy, and sincere. You by no means needed to fear the place Billy was coming from, he gave it to you straight. He was compassionate, understanding, and has in all probability helped extra people in his life than any public servant that I can recall.”
Ciotto leaves behind his spouse, 5 youngsters, 5 grandchildren and lots of beloved mates. He was 91-years outdated.
