Former Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri was honored Sunday by the congregation at the Real Tabernacle Church on Elizabeth Street.
Pastor Dennis Marroquin said he wanted to formally recognize Staffieri’s efforts to improve the city while mayor.
The church is in the basement of Plaza on the Green, a shopping center in downtown Derby owned by the former mayor.
It was packed Sunday, as it was “here is my friend” day at the church, an event to introduce new people to the Christian church.
“We give you thanks because you have devoted your time and energy not only to the City of Derby, but to this little church that’s in a basement,” the pastor said before honoring Staffieri with a plaque.
Staffieri has long been a friend to Real Tabernacle, which moved into its location five years ago.
The church has been active for 17 years. Before moving to Plaza on the Green, members held services at a house on Hawkins Street.
“After Tony’s second term, we became friends,” Marroquin said. “We worked together to close down the crack houses that were in Derby at the time.”
In September 2013, Staffieri walked in a “prayer march” on Anson Street with the church. The event happened after a spate of violence in the neighborhood.
“When we walked down that street, Staffieri was in the very front of the line,” Marroquin said. “That shows a lot about the type of heart that he has.”
Staffieri received his plaque with tears in his eyes.
“I never thought in my experience that the Lord would put me together with Pastor Marroquin,” Staffieri said. “It was truly faith for all of us to come together. And the ones who benefited the most was the city of Derby.”
Staffieri could not stay for the entirety of the service — he was off to a baby shower for his first grandchild.
Staffieri, a Republican, served four terms — eight years — as Derby mayor. He was defeated in 2013 by fellow Derby business person Anita Dugatto, a Democrat.
Dugatto just announced she is going to seek the Democratic nomination for a second term.
Staffieri said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll try to win back Derby City Hall.
“Tony will always be my mayor,” Marroquin said. “But on top of that he’s also my friend. I’m so happy he could make it today.”
