Derby 350 features philanthropist, business, community leader

Col. Holton Wood

 

DERBY - Our first Hall of Famer of the Week for 2026 is Col. Holton Wood, a business and community leader of significance from the moment he arrived in Derby in 1887 to serve as vice president of the Derby Street Railway Company. 

He eventually served the city in the state general assembly and served in leadership positions in many local business groups. 

He and his family suffered a terrible loss in 1897 when their son Harcourt died at the age of 11. A few years later while he was living in Brookline, MA., he made memorial gifts in honor of his son that made the Derby Public Library a reality. 

Read more about this progressive business leader and some library history-https://electronicvalley.org/.../HallofFame/Wood,Holton.htm

Shared from the Derby 350 Facebook page.

Nominations sought for Shelton High School Hall of Fame

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for its third class.

The Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the school community and those who have made outstanding contributions at the school and in the world which reflect positively on Shelton High. 

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 with founding members Dr. Beth Smith, principal; John Niski, athletic director; Charles Fowler, teacher and coach; Howard Gura, retired SHS administrator; Tyler Tice, student. 

After years of defining the bylaws and procedures, the inaugural class was inducted two years ago. 
Nominees fall into one of five categories recognized by the SHS Hall of Fame: Faculty/Staff/Administration; Alumni; Activities; Contributor and Groups. Faculty/Staff/Administration includes any person having been employed by Shelton High School for 10 total years of employment or retired from Shelton High School with at least 5 years of employment and being one year removed from employment at Shelton High School. Alumni include graduates of Shelton High School. Alumni shall become eligible for nomination six years after graduation from Shelton High School. 

Activities shall be defined as participants/staff of co-curricular, extra-curricular, and athletic activities that have made significant contributions to Shelton High School. Contributor includes others involved in the Shelton High School community that do not fit into the other categories, but have made significant contributions to Shelton High School. Groups include an organization, team, etc. Nominees must have shown dedication and/or made significant contributions to the school  community and/or represented the school with dignity after leaving the school. 
Nominees must have upheld the integrity of the Shelton High School way both at Shelton High School and afterwards. Nominees must have brought special recognition to themselves and/or the Shelton High School community. 

To nominate a candidate, please go to the Shelton High School website sheltonhigh.sheltonpublicschools.org. Under “About”, the Hall of Fame link has the 2019 nomination form. 

Completed packets and nomination forms are to be submitted to the SHS Hall of Fame Committee c/o the Shelton High School main office. 

Deadline for submission is Friday, March 15.


This is a press release from Dr. Beth Smith.

Dziekan announces 2 new members of Derby Hall of Fame

DERBY - Mayor Richard Dziekan has announced the members of the 12th Annual Class for the Derby Hall of Fame with their official unveiling slated for Derby Day June 23. 

The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 and includes Derby natives and residents who have helped to shape the course of history through their achievements at the local, state, national, or international level. 

Each of these individuals selected was either born in Derby or lived here at some point in his/her life. 

The Class of 2018 includes two individuals from two distinctly different periods of time in Derby history.  

Quosh Freeman

Quosh Freeman was born in Ghana in the early 1800s, but ended up as a slave in the United States. 
While he was a slave, he was simply known as Quosh with no surname. However, his story took a dramatic turn when he was given his freedom by his owner, Lt. Agar Tomlinson. He was renowned for his strength and work habits which both served him well when he adopted the surname Freeman and went on to earn the respect and admiration of the community. 
Eventually, Quosh Freeman was elected as one of the renowned and historic Black Governors of Connecticut. 
In recent years students and faculty members from Central Connecticut State College have undertaken an archaeological dig in the Freeman Homestead located within the boundaries of Osbornedale State Park in an effort to add more information to the story of Quosh Freeman and the Black Governors of Connecticut.

Harold Yudkin 

Harold Yudkin arrived on the Derby scene more than a hundred years later, but made a name as a scholar, lawyer, historian, and philanthropist as well as the largest developer of homes in Derby history. 
He grew up on Seymour Avenue and graduated from Derby High School in 1928 at the age of 15. He graduated from Bates College and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He served with the Army in England during WWII before undertaking a 60-year career as a lawyer in Derby. 

However, he played a much bigger role in the community than just that of a talented lawyer. Recognizing the need for more housing for returning veterans, he also formed a company that literally transformed the face of the city when the company built nearly 100 houses and a shopping center. 
He also was a founder of Beth Israel Synagogue and was very active in Jewish affairs including writing for the Jewish Digest.

He was a generous supporter of many of the Valley's nonprofits and for a long time sponsored an annual oratorical contest at Derby High School.

His retirement in 1987 gave him time to explore his lifelong love of history, and he devoted himself to writing a 1,500 first-person account of the life of Benedict Arnold in the years before he betrayed his county. 

The title was When I Was a Loyal American and speculated on the reasons for his eventual betrayal of his country.

The Derby Hall of Fame is located by the National Humane Alliance Fountain at the Division Street entrance to the Derby Greenway. 

Each of the members is commemorated with a special brick surrounding the fountain engraved with some details of their achievements. 

A more complete description of their achievements along with the listing of all 49 members can be found at http://electronicvalley.org/derby/HallofFame/index.htm.

Dziekan said,“I am honored by Quosh Freeman and Harold Yudkin for their impressive accomplishments and steadfast efforts to create a better life for future generations. Both gentlemen are rightfully recognized for being industrious and achieving extraordinary goals while giving back to the community. 

Thank you to the Derby Hall of Fame for recognizing these individuals as part of the 12th Annual Class for 2018.”

This is a press release from Mayor Dziekan's office.

Shelton High School announces Hall of Fame inductees

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce its second class of selected inductees, the Class of 2018.

Eight esteemed SHS Community members were identified by the committee to be inducted at a ceremony and banquet to be held in the school’s gymnasium in September. 

The committee selected the following inaugural honorees: 

• Celeste Beattie (retired Shelton High School teacher and coach); 
• James Benanto (retired Shelton High School teacher, coach and athletic director); 
• Anthony Branca (Shelton Public Schools staff and Shelton High School coach); 
• Louis Dagostine Sr. (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, counselor and administrator; served on several city boards and committees); 
• Raymond Gildea Sr. (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, department chairperson, athletic director, computer center director and Finance Director); 
• Edward Marocco (retired Shelton High School teacher and coach); 
• Joseph Pagliaro Sr. (served on multiple city boards and committees); 
• Timothy J. Walsh III (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, administrator and Shelton Board of Education member). 

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

Information regarding tickets and reservations will be forthcoming. 

For more information please contact SHS Headmaster, Dr. Beth Smith.

Nominations sought for Shelton High School Hall of Fame

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the Class of 2018.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 and the inaugural class was inducted in 2017.

Nominees fall into one of five categories recognized by the SHS Hall of Fame: Faculty/Staff/Administration; Alumni; Activities; Contributor and Groups.

Faculty/Staff/Administration includes any person having been employed by Shelton High School for 10 total years of employment or retired from Shelton High School with at least five years of employment and being one year removed from employment at Shelton High School.

Alumni include graduates of Shelton High School. 
Alumni shall become eligible for nomination six years after graduation from Shelton High School.

Activities shall be defined as participants/staff of co-curricular, extra-curricular, and athletic activities that have made significant contributions to Shelton High School. Contributor includes others involved in the Shelton High School community that do not fit into the other categories, but have made significant contributions to Shelton High School.

Groups include an organization, team, etc. Nominees must have shown dedication and/or made significant contributions to the Shelton High School community and/or represented the Shelton High School with dignity after leaving the school. 
Nominees must have upheld the integrity of the Shelton High School way both at Shelton High School and afterwards.
Nominees must have brought special recognition to themselves and/or the Shelton High School community.

To nominate a candidate, go to sheltonhigh.sheltonpublicschools.org. Under “About,” the Hall of Fame link has the 2018 nomination form.

Completed packets and nomination forms are to be submitted to the SHS Hall of Fame Committee c/o the Shelton High School main office. 

Deadline for submission is March 15.

Shelton High School to induct first Hall of Fame members

SHELTON -The Shelton High School Hall of Fame will induct its inaugural class Sept. 16 at a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium. 

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School. 

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 with founding members Dr. Beth Smith, headmaster; John Niski, athletic director; Charles Fowler, teacher and coach; Howard Gura, retired SHS administrator; Tyler Tice, student. After years of defining the bylaws and procedures, twelve esteemed SHS Community members were identified by the committee to be inducted. 

The inaugural class includes: Joseph Benanto (retired SHS History teacher; SHS baseball, basketball, and football coach); Mary Lou Cook (retired Director of Special Education; Ripton School principal; teacher); Audrey Dreyer (retired SHS school nurse; founder of the SHS Food Bank); Howard Gura (former SHS Housemaster; retired SIS Headmaster; teacher; guidance counselor; SHS graduate and standout athlete; SHS basketball and football coach); Mark Lauretti (Mayor of Shelton; entrepreneur; SHS graduate and standout athlete; basketball coach, and teacher); Bernice Nicolari (retired SHS teacher, SHS basketball coach and women’s athletic pioneer); Dan Orlovsky (SHS graduate and standout athlete; NFL quarterback; founder of Dan Orlovsky Foundation); Anthony Piccolo (retired SHS Housemaster; teacher; guidance counselor; SHS graduate and standout athlete; SHS softball and football coach); Jack Ribas (retired Director of Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley); Fran & Gary Scarpa (former SHS Drama Club advisors; Center Stage Theater founders; Youth Connection Theater troupe); Joseph Sedlock (SHS graduate and standout athlete; retired SHS teacher and basketball coach; current SHS Drama Club co-advisor); Leon Sylvester (retired Shelton Superintendent of Schools; Vocational Education Director; teacher; SHS graduate and standout athlete).

Tickets are $50 per person. Checks made payable to Shelton High School Hall of Fame may be sent to: Shelton High School Hall of Fame, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, 06484, c/o Dr. Beth Smith. 
Deadline for tickets is Sept. 1. 


This is a press release from Headmaster Beth Smith.

Shelton High School announces first class of Hall of Fame inductees

SHELTON - Following years of planning and preparation, the Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce its first class of selected inductees.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon the school.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 with founding members Dr. Beth Smith, headmaster; John Niski, athletic director; Charles Fowler, teacher and coach; Howard Gura, retired SHS administrator; Tyler Tice, student. 

Ceremony planned in September

After years of defining the bylaws and procedures, 12 esteemed SHS Community members were identified by the committee to be inducted at a ceremony and banquet to be held in the school’s gymnasium Sept. 16. 

The committee selected the following inaugural honorees: Joseph Benanto (retired SHS History teacher; SHS baseball, basketball, and football coach); Mary Lou Cook-(retired Director of Special Education; Ripton School principal; teacher); Audrey Dreyer (retired SHS school nurse; founder of the SHS Food Bank); Howard Gura (former SHS Housemaster; retired SIS Headmaster; teacher; guidance counselor; SHS graduate and standout athlete; SHS basketball and football coach); Mark Lauretti (Mayor of City of Shelton; entrepreneur; SHS graduate and standout athlete; basketball coach, and teacher); Bernice Nicolari (retired SHS teacher, SHS basketball coach and women’s athletic pioneer); Dan Orlovsky (SHS graduate and standout athlete; NFL quarterback; founder of Dan Orlovsky Foundation); Anthony Piccolo (retired SHS Housemaster; teacher; guidance counselor; SHS graduate and standout athlete; SHS softball and football coach); Jack Ribas (retired Director of Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley); Fran and Gary Scarpa (former SHS Drama Club advisors; Center Stage Theater founders; Youth Connection Theater troupe); Joseph Sedlock (SHS graduate and standout athlete; retired SHS teacher and basketball coach; current SHS Drama Club co-advisor); Leon Sylvester (retired Shelton Superintendent of Schools; Vocational Education Director; teacher; SHS graduate and standout athlete). Information regarding tickets and reservations will be forthcoming. 

For more information contact SHS Headmaster Beth Smith.

This is a press release from Shelton High School.

Shelton High School committee seeks Hall of Fame nominations

This is a press release from John Niski, director of athletics, Shelton High School.

Crisco pens farewell column, thanks constituents

By Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. 

I would like to thank my constituents for the privilege of serving as your state Senator for the past 24 years.

As I write this, the start of the 2017 legislative session is just one week away. But for the first time, I will not be there.

I was first elected to the state Senate in 1992, a Wilbur Cross High School and UConn grad who spent most of my life commuting back and forth from the Valley to my day job as director of government affairs for the United Technologies Corp.

Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. 

There are all kinds of ways to serve your fellow man: for a long time I took a lot of pride in my athletic accomplishments on the football field at Wilbur Cross and UConn. 
Teamwork and dedication, win or lose, were the hallmarks of my youth, and they instilled in me a spirit of effort and compromise, of commitment and acceptance.

There really is no better place to spend your time than in the General Assembly. I really consider it my second home. 
The staff and the other legislators become your second family; you rely on them for advice, and for comfort, for support, and you come to trust their judgment. You have to, because there are so many important issues that we deal with.

I had been in the legislature just six years when I struck on the idea of creating a ‘Family Day’ in Connecticut to celebrate what I think is the most important teacher of individual responsibility and morality. As the father of six and the grandfather of 18, I honestly believe that.

I was happy to launch the Connecticut Hall of Fame in 2006 to recognize all the famous and productive people who have called Connecticut their home. Katherine Hepburn, Mark Twain, and Igor Sikorsky were the first three inductees.

Along the way I kept the annual 17^th District Senior fair going on at Warsaw Park in Ansonia. I was happy to sponsor the annual Young Women in Technology Expo to help introduce 7^th-grade girls to the types of careers you might find at UTC or any of the other high-tech companies now located throughout Connecticut. 

There were state grants, too, for the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center and the Sterling Opera House in Derby, for athletic fields and libraries, animal shelters and affordable housing and recreational trails. I worked with area legislators to help keep the Troop I Barracks in Bethany.

I used my position as chairman of the Insurance Committee to fight for better patient care, especially when it came to women’s breast cancer. 
I was so happy to be introduced to Dr. Nancy Cappello, because we had a years-long partnership working to improve health insurance coverage for women’s breast exams, which led to the legislature’s passage of the ‘dense breast tissue’ and breast MRI bills which have undoubtedly saved many lives here in Connecticut, throughout the nation and the world. 
This has become even more of a personal issue for me now that my wife is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

My concern for the health and welfare of Connecticut’s residents is also reflected in my creation of the Biomedical Research Fund, which has awarded millions of dollars over the years to Connecticut-based researchers doing work in heart disease, cancer, smoking-related illnesses, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and diabetes. 
Just two months ago I was at Griffin Hospital in Derby to celebrate $1.3 million to be used for research at Griffin’s Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center.

Everything I’ve done in my life has been in that spirit of teamwork and dedication, win or lose, showing effort and commitment whether it be in a practice or the big game. 
I’m so happy to have fought and won for you, and to have had your support and your trust for so many years. 

It is my sincerest hope that the work I have done will live on for years to come, doing good, and that you and your families have a wonderful New Year, this year and for our future to come.  


Crisco, a Democrat, is a Woodbridge resident.

Ansonia business leader inducted to Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

Bernadine Venditto, president, Junior Achievement of Western CT, and Board member Adam Dworkin present an award Tuesday to Philip White, CEO of Better Packages in Ansonia./ Contributed photo

BRIDGEPORT - Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut's Dr. George R. Dunbar Free Enterprise Hall of Fame event was held Tuesday at the Holiday Inn. Title sponsors were People's United Bank and R.D. Scinto.

More than 260 local Junior Achievement supporters attended the banquet, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Hall of Fame Honorary Chairman John Ciulla, President of Webster Bank, Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau, and many others.

The following prestigious business leaders were inducted into the Hall of Fame: 

Jack Barnes, President & CEO of People's United Bank, Traci Morris, CEO of Brookfield Global Relocation Services, John Stafstrom Jr., Member, Pullman & Comley and Philip White, CEO of Better Packages.

"Our Hall of Fame inductees are successful business and community role models who demonstrate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and community caring to our Junior Achievement students," said Bernadine Venditto, President, Junior Achievement of Western CT.

Junior Achievement also presented the Outstanding Educator Award to Bethel High School teacher, Monica Black, and the Outstanding Volunteer Award to Jennifer Brand from Prudential Annuities.

Proceeds from the event support Junior Achievement's programs that will reach more than 22,600 students in western Connecticut this school year.

This is a press release from Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut. 
For more information visit http://www.jawct.org.

Junior Achievement to honor CEO of Better Packages in Ansonia

Philip White 

An Ansonia business executive is among four honorees who will be inducted into Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut's 2016 'Dr. George R. Dunbar Free Enterprise Hall of Fame’ Tuesday at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

Philip White, CEO of Better Packages in Ansonia, will be honored along with Jack Barnes, President and CEO of People's United Bank, John Stafstrom Jr., Member, Pullman & Comley, Traci Morris, CEO of Brookfield Global Relocation Services.

The Hall of Fame recognizes business leaders who have made notable contributions in the area of private enterprise and who have also demonstrated exceptional dedication to their communities. 

Philip White joined Better Packages, an operating unit of ASCOM Hasler, Inc. in 1997 as General Manager. 

In 2003, White led a management buyout of the company and became President and CEO. 

During his time at Better Packages the company expanded into more than 40 countries and revenues increased by over 300 percent. Prior to his work at Better Packages, White held senior level positions at ASCOM Hasler, Inc. and Pirelli Tire Corp.

White serves on the boards of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Shelton Economic Development Corporation, American Heart Association (New Haven Walkathon) and Griffin Health Services Corporation.

He holds an MBA in Management from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science with a dual major in Economics and Education from the University of Southern Connecticut.

For more information about Junior Achievement and ticket or sponsorship information for the Hall of Fame event, call 203-382-0180 ext. 10 or email randoh@jawct.org.

About Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. 

JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship. 

For more information about JAWCT or to volunteer, please visit www.jawct.org or call 203-382-0180.

This is a press release from Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut.

Dugatto announces 3 new members of Derby Hall of Fame

DERBY – Mayor Anita Dugatto has announced the induction of three new members into the Derby Hall of Fame. 
Class of 2016 includes Harry Haugh, Josiah Holbrook, and Charles A. Sterling.

“Derby’s Hall of Fame is a wonderful tradition honoring the legacy of Derby citizens who have made their mark in American history,” Dugatto said. “This occasion is a proud moment for the City of Derby.”

The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognize Derby natives and residents who helped shape history through their achievements at local, state, national, or international levels. 
In one way or another, these individuals enhanced the quality of life of all Americans.
Harry Haugh improved the flow of automobile traffic across the United States through his invention of the electro-matic traffic signal, a device that measures the flow of traffic and controls the timing of the changing of automatic traffic control lights.

Josiah Holbrook developed a new approach to adult education. The Lyceum Movement — with its lectures, dramatic performances, class instructions, and debates — swept the country and contributed significantly to the education of adult Americans throughout the United States.

Charles A. Sterling, owner of the Sterling Piano Company, one of the most prestigious and best known businesses ever to locate in Derby, manufactured quality organs and pianos sold all over the world.

Members of the Class of 2016 will be commemorated with a special brick engraved with details of their achievements. The bricks will join those of previous inductees surrounding the National Humane Alliance Fountain located at the Division Street entrance of the Derby Greenway.
The official unveiling will be held on Derby Day Saturday.

A complete description of the contributions of these individuals, along with a listing of all 44 Derby Hall of Fame members, can be found at electronicvalley.org. 
A link to the Derby Hall of Fame is also available on the City’s website at derbyct.gov.

This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Crisco welcomes Hall of Fame inductees at ceremony in Hartford

State Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr. speaks Monday at Hall of Fame ceremony in the Legislative Office Building. /Contributed photo

HARTFORD – Building on the intellect, hard work, fame, and bravery that have been the hallmarks of Connecticut residents for centuries, state Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Monday helped unveil the 2016 inductees to the Connecticut Hall of Fame: actress Meryl Streep, American Revolution patriot Nathan Hale, state militia General Henry Burbeck, dentist Horace Wells, and author and advocate Helen Keller.

The ceremony, held this morning in the second floor atrium of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, is the eighth Connecticut Hall of Fame class inducted since its creation in 2006. 

Previous inductees include Mark Twain, Katherine Hepburn, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Robert Ballard, Dave Brubeck, and others.

“Throughout nearly 400 years of Connecticut history, we have been home to some of the most fascinating, talented, productive and intelligent people on the planet. Every time someone is inducted into the Connecticut Hall of Fame, I am reminded of what a great state we live in,” Crisco said. “Today was no different. Six men and women with creativity, passion, commitment and bravery are now a part of our honor roll of state residents. I expect to add more names next year, and the year after that, because that’s just the kind of people that Connecticut grows and attracts to live and work here.”

This year’s inductees include three men and two women with deep roots in Connecticut:

• Meryl Streep of Salisbury, the theater, television, and film actress who has won two Academy Awards and numerous other acting honors.

• Nathan Hale of Coventry, an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War who is the Connecticut State hero and is well-known for his final words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

• General Henry Burbeck, commander of the Connecticut State Militia in New London during the War of 1812 who came up with the idea for the West Point military academy.

• Horace Wells, a Hartford dentist who pioneered the use of surgical anesthesia

• Helen Keller, a deaf and blind American author and activist who resided in Easton for the final 32 years of her life.

Founded in 2006, The Connecticut Hall of Fame is intended to recognize the outstanding achievements of Connecticut individuals and serve as an educational tool for those visiting the state Capitol and Legislative Office Building.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Derby Hall of Fame inducts 3 members

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto has announced three new members of the Derby Hall of Fame just in time for Derby Day 2015. 

Derby Day, an annual street festival presented by the Cultural Commission, runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today on Elizabeth Street and the Green.

The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 and includes Derby natives and residents who have helped to shape the course of history through their achievements at the local, state, national or international level. 

Donald Waldhaus

Each of these individuals selected was either born in Derby or lived here at some point in his/her life. 

The Class of 2015 includes Derby's first permanent European settler, a seven term mayor and Derby’s first (and probably only) Olympian.

Edward Wooster was born in 1622, but he arrived in the area now known as Derby in 1651 when the area was still governed from New Haven. 
George P. Sullivan was a plumber by trade who served seven terms as Mayor of Derby over the course of four different decades. 
Donald Waldhaus is the third member of the Hall with an athletic background, but most will be surprised to find that he was a nationally recognized swordsman and member of the U.S. Olympic Fencing team in the 1924 Paris Olympics. 

George P. Sullivan

Dugatto said, “The additions to the Hall of Fame this year are impressive and show the strength and vision of the Valley forefathers that made it great!”

The Derby Hall of Fame is located by the National Humane Alliance Fountain at the Division Street entrance to the Derby Greenway. 
Each of the members is commemorated with a special brick surrounding the fountain engraved with some details of their achievements. 

A more complete description of their achievements along with the listing of all 41 members can be found at 
http://electronicvalley.org/derby/HallofFame/index.htm.


This is a press release from Derby resident Jack Walsh, President and COO of the Valley United Way.