Inauguration Night a Special Affair For Mezzo Family

In 1995, Bob Mezzo and Eileen Sorcinelli met in the copy room at City Hill Middle School. She was a new teacher, and he was working as a school aide while he attended law school at night. One thing led to another, and the two ended up getting married.

On Tuesday night, Bob and Eileen (Socinelli) Mezzo were once again back at City Hill Middle School. This time, they were in the gymnasium, where Eileen, flanked by the couple's three children, stood by Bob Mezzo as he took the oath of office, for the third time, to serve as mayor of his hometown.

“Four-and-a-half years ago, I was sworn in to the office of mayor during a wonderful spring ceremony on Naugatuck’s Green,” he said. “I stand here in this school that I once attended, a little bit older but no less honored or humbled to be sworn in again as mayor.”

An estimated crowd of 100 gathered for the intimate ceremony that included songs from local school children and speeches from elected public officials and from masters of ceremony Johnna Hunt, principal of Hillside Intermediate School, and Michelle Russell, math teacher at Naugatuck High School. The Rev. Tim Leggett, pastor of Naugatuck Valley Community Church, recited the invocation and benediction, while Judge of Probate Pete Mariano swore Mezzo in.

While all of those who spoke did so eloquently, the most heartfelt words came from Naugatuck’s first lady.

“Bob wanted very much to lead the borough for a third term, but was unsure how it would affect our family, most importantly our three children, Ally, Jay and Jack,” Eileen Mezzo said. “I have most admired his ability to find balance in his work and find time for our children.” (See her speech in the attached video.)

Mezzo thanked his family for their love and support for his job as mayor, which often keeps him away from home on weeknights. And he thanked the borough for its support. He was also honest about the state of affairs in Naugatuck. 

“There is no doubt we face challenges as a community,” he said. “Our local economy remains impacted by a slow recovery from a terrible recession. We strive to continuously improve the quality of public education so that all of our children can compete and succeed in the global age. Our local government is challenged each and every year to do more with less. Our infrastructure - our roads, bridges and schools - continue to age.

“With such challenge, however, comes the opportunity to rise to the occasion, overcome adversity and create a better community for all of our citizens,” he said. “Achieving greatness will not happen by accident, luck or the actions of any one individual. Working hard, collaborating together through respectful dialogue and focusing upon the issues that make a difference in the lives of our citizens must continue to be our collective priority over the next two years.”