Frosolone Honored As West Haven’s 2026 Italian American Of The Year

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Italian Heritage Committee honored longtime West Haven Italian American Civic Association President Paul M. Frosolone as the city’s primo Italiano at the 27th annual Italian Heritage Celebration on Friday, Oct. 9.

Frosolone, a long-standing member of the committee and an ambassador of his Italian ancestry, accepted the Italian American of the Year award during the midday ceremony on the front steps of City Hall.

The award is bestowed annually on an Italian resident or couple who personifies service in West Haven’s close-knit Italian community.

At the 25-minute cultural event, Frosolone, the grandson of immigrant grandparents from southern Italy, paid tribute to his Italian lineage with more than 100 friends and loved ones, including four of his five siblings — Dennis Frosolone, Stephen Frosolone, Doreen Frosolone and Laura Frosolone; Bruce Frosolone could not attend — and his many cousins.

Frosolone, alongside West Haven residents and descendants of folks from the old country, was joined by an array of city, police and state officials, including City Council members Nancy Tagliatela, D-2, Gary Donovan, D-4, and Sean P. Ronan, D-at large; Chief Joseph S. Perno and Deputy Chief Joseph Romano; and Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, who presented Frosolone with a General Assembly citation from the city’s delegation.

“For years, as the president of the West Haven Italian American Civic Association, Paul has been the guy standing right here, proudly presenting the Italian flag to fellow honorees,” Borer told the crowd, some donning red, white and green. “He never asked for the spotlight; he just rolled up his sleeves as one of our hardest-working volunteers. Well, Paul, today you can keep your hands free because it’s our turn to hand the flag, this official embroidered jacket and the city’s highest praise over to you.”

Frosolone, choking back tears, told the audience he was grateful for the honor, thanking Borer, his family and a long list of people who touched his life over 60 years.

He also thanked people for giving back to their community.

“Volunteerism, it’s hard to come by these days,” Frosolone said. “Try to give back to your community. If that’s the only thing you get out of leaving here today, give back to your community.

“I love West Haven. It’s a great community.”

After presenting Frosolone with the “Italian American of the Year 2026” jacket, Borer presented him with an official citation recognizing his proud heritage and civic-minded contributions.

“A lifelong Westie, you deeply treasure your rich Italian ancestry, tracing your roots to your maternal grandparents in the Benevento village of Faicchio and your paternal great-grandparents in Naples,” said Borer, reading the citation. “Your family’s journey reflects the courageous spirit of generations of Italian immigrants who crossed the Atlantic to achieve the American dream.

“Staying true to the heritage of your surname, which originates from a southern Italian town famous for its historic cutlery and cutting tool fabrication, you have successfully carved out your own path as the owner and operator of Paul M. Frosolone Landscaping for three decades. The city of West Haven celebrates your legacy, your hard work, and your profound devotion to the traditions and promise of our community. Viva l’Italia!”

The city’s top Italian also received an Italian flag from Paul Messina, a longtime member of the Italian American Civic Association’s board of directors, and Debbie Giordano, the vice president of the association’s Ladies Auxiliary.

The program included congratulatory remarks by Rick Spreyer, Borer’s chief of staff and the master of ceremonies. Before a blessing by Deacon Frank Bevvino of St. John XXIII Parish, West Haven’s own Elizabeth Levy sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Italian national anthem, “II Canto degli Italiani.”

In his blessing, Bevvino called Frosolone a “dear friend and neighbor” who has enriched the community with his “faith, family, hard work and generosity.”

Frosolone was born in New Haven in 1966 to George Festa Frosolone Jr. and the former Elaine Maturo Roderick.

He attended West Haven public schools, including the former Stiles Elementary and Giannotti Middle schools, and graduated from Platt Technical High School in Milford.

In addition to his landscaping business, Frosolone is known for leading a life of public service.

A former West Haven GOP mayoral candidate, he has served on the Republican Town Committee for 38 years, including 12 years as chairman.

Frosolone is a former member of the West Haven Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society and Rotary Club and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sylvester Z. Poli Lodge 2832 Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America.

He is also a former member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Annawon Lodge 115, the Ward-Heitmann House Museum and the West Haven Train Station Committee.

An avid duckpin bowler, he is the president of the Bowlers Association of Connecticut, a member of the National Duckpin Bowling Congress and a member of the Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association.

Frosolone is a lifetime member of City Point Yacht Club. He enjoys traveling to Florida and going to New England Patriots games.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer delivers heartfelt remarks about her friend and 2026 Italian American of the Year Paul M. Frosolone, calling his life “a beautiful tribute to your family’s history and a gift to our city’s future.” (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rick Spreyer, the mayor’s chief of staff and the master of ceremonies, opens the program to applause. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven’s own Elizabeth Levy sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Levy also sang the Italian national anthem, “II Canto degli Italiani.” (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The spirited City Hall crowd, some donning red, white and green. (City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)

Deacon Frank Bevvino of St. John XXIII Parish of West Haven offers a blessing as an Italian flag blows in the wind. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

2026 West Haven Italian American of the Year Paul M. Frosolone receives an Italian flag from Paul Messina, a longtime member of the West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s board of directors, and Debbie Giordano, the vice president of the association’s Ladies Auxiliary. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Connecticut Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, reads and presents 2026 West Haven Italian American of the Year Paul M. Frosolone with a General Assembly citation from the city’s delegation as Mayor Dorinda Borer looks on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Italian American Civic Association President Paul M. Frosolone graciously accepts the 2026 West Haven Italian American of the Year award, thanking Mayor Dorinda Borer, his family and a long list of people who touched his life over 60 years. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)