[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF WAYNE T. VENDETTO, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2018

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
one of Connecticut's most dedicated public servants, Mr. Wayne T. 
Vendetto, Sr. Mr. Vendetto passed away in February, and I would be 
remiss not to take a moment to reflect on his years of dedication to 
his hometown. He was a patriot, a first responder, a democrat, a family 
man, and above all, a community servant.
  A native of New London, CT, Wayne graduated from New London High 
School in 1962. In addition to his career at Sears, Roebuck & Co., he 
was a Connecticut State Marshal for 40 years.
  Wayne honorably defended his country in the Connecticut National 
Guard and as a reservist. He also protected his neighbors as a 
volunteer firefighter and foreman at the former F.L. Allen Hook and 
Ladder Company No. 1 for 10 years, and was president of the New London 
Firemen's Association. In this capacity Wayne became famous for hosting 
the association's convention and parades, considered to be the biggest 
and best in the state.
  Wayne was also active in local politics. He served on the New London 
Board of Education for 10 years and eventually became a

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city councilor, deputy mayor, and then mayor. All his life he remained 
active in the Democratic party and was respected by both republicans 
and democrats.
  Unsurprisingly, Wayne was a family man, affectionately known by his 
relatives as ``Poppy.'' He was a father to Dana and Wayne, grandfather 
to Alexandra, Cole, Wayne, Attilia, and Connor, and great-grandfather 
to Gianni. Being one of six children himself, he left this earth as the 
proud great uncle to 59 nieces and nephews. Coming from such a big 
family, it was only natural that Wayne treated all of New London as his 
extended family, which was made evident through his extensive community 
service. He volunteered at the New London Senior Center, Catholic 
Charities, the American Cancer Society, the Hospice Fundraising Board, 
and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, just to name a few. Wayne was also a 
member of the New London Lodge of Elks and the New London Police 
Community Relations Committee.
  Wayne Vendetto was a man who was constantly giving back. In this day 
and age, we'd be hard-pressed to find a public servant more involved or 
dedicated than him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me 
in recognition of this selfless servant. I know his loss will be felt 
deeply throughout the New London community for years to come.

                          ____________________