[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8077-S8078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        REMEMBERING FRANK ZULLO

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy 
heart to pay tribute to Frank Zullo, an extraordinary public servant 
who passed away on May 26, 2018, at the age of 85.
  Born and raised in Norwalk, CT, Frank started his law practice in 
1957 in his hometown. The next year, the Norwalk Junior Chamber of 
Commerce named him ``Young Man of the Year.'' He was elected mayor of 
Norwalk in 1965. At only 33 years old, Frank was the youngest mayor in 
the city's history, in addition to being their first Italian-American 
mayor.
  Throughout his three terms, Frank worked closely with the people of 
Norwalk, listening to their concerns and striving to initiate positive 
change. Against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam 
war, and the Cold War, Frank faced local challenges head on and 
diligently united his constituents. Frank was known for his compassion 
and did everything he could to make Norwalk a welcoming city for all of 
its residents.
  Frank became a symbol of the city, and his leadership ushered in a 
new era of participation in Connecticut politics, in which residents 
saw the difference they could make as part of his administration. His 
legacy is enduring, and for the rest of his lifetime, Frank was often 
called upon for guidance by his successors, who recognized his 
remarkable accomplishments. He also helped establish the Connecticut 
Conference of Mayors and served on the executive board of the U.S. 
Conference of Mayors as a trustee and member.
  Admired for his lively spirit and giving personality, Frank committed 
himself to serving Norwalk in a multitude of ways, both when he was 
mayor and when he returned to practicing law. One notable example 
includes his role as chair of the Norwalk-Wilton Chapter of the 
American Red Cross Board's Water Safety Program, in which he taught 
hundreds of young people lifeguarding and swimming skills. He also 
chaired the Board of Trustees of Norwalk Hospital and the University of 
Bridgeport, chaired the First Taxing District Water Department, and 
served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maritime Aquarium 
at Norwalk.
  Following Frank's passing, a memorial rose garden was constructed in 
his honor by the First Taxing District of the City of Norwalk. Though 
the celebratory programs were canceled because of the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Frank N. Zullo Memorial Rose Garden stands as a fitting 
tribute to a man

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who spent his lifetime bettering the city.

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