DERBY – Joseph L. DiMartino was officially sworn into office Saturday (Dec. 6), promising to prioritize economic development and to ensure emergency officials are equipped with the tools they need to keep the public safe.

DiMartino, who was re-elected to a second term Nov. 4, was given the oath of office by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal before a crowd of about 75 people at Derby High School.

A retired Derby public works employee and former DHS softball coach, DiMartino, a Democrat, beat his Republican challenger, Scott Derby, by a vote of 1,692 to 947.

DiMartino was first elected in 2023. Terms in Derby are two years.

“Over the past two years we have accomplished so much together, and I am excited about what we can achieve in the next two years,” DiMartino said. “However, I recognize that this is not the work of one person, it’s a collective effort. Every resident of Derby plays a vital role in shaping our future, and I am grateful to have you by my side.”

DiMartino briefly spoke of the estimated deficit of $2 million to $2.5 million his administration inherited two years ago when he first took office.

“It was a tough situation, but together, as a dedicated team, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work,” DiMartino said. “Today, I can proudly say we have made significant strides, but there is still much more to do.”

In 2024, under DiMartino’s administration, the tax board raised the mill rate by 4.6 mills, and the city temporarily lowered pension contributions and used federal stimulus funds, among other measures which officials said were necessary to fill budget deficits. 

In April 2025, there was no mill rate increase.

Blumenthal said DiMartino showed integrity and accountability in tackling Derby’s fiscal challenges head on.

“Leadership is facing tough problems and dealing with them honestly and with accountability and that’s what Joseph DiMartino has done,” Blumenthal said. “He has that quality of integrity and honesty that is so important today. He knows that every person has a view that is worth hearing and he listens and he acts. Derby is a small town, but it has a big heart. Joseph DiMartino cares deep about every single person that he serves.”

During Saturday’s inauguration, DiMartino stood side by side with the city’s other elected officials who received their oaths of office by Judge of Probate Clifford P. Hoyle.

They included Derby City/Town Clerk Marc Garofalo, who served as the event’s emcee. Garofalo called upon the community to work together, in light of a campaign controversy that anonymously targeted him.    

An anti-Garofalo newspaper was sent to Derby residents, an anti-Garofalo website was created, and an anti-Garofalo billboard was rented.

However, none of the anti-Garofalo material attributed how it was paid for, a potential violation of campaign finance law.

“I call upon everybody in our community for a greater sense of civility and a greater sense of fair play and conducting themselves properly in public life,” Garofalo said.  

Saturday’s event opened with a procession and presentation of the colors by members of the Derby Police Department, Derby Fire Department, John H. Collins Post #24, American Legion and St. Michael’s Post #1562, Catholic War Veterans. Members of DiMartino’s family, including his children and grandchildren, led the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance, while DHS student Josephine Acevedo sang the “National Anthem.”

Various local and state officials were also in attendance, including state Rep. Kara Rochelle, state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, state Rep. Mary Welander and state Comptroller Sean Scanlon, who provided remarks. Other elected officials in attendance include Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, new Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti.  

Special Tribute To Derby Lives Lost In River Restaurant Fire 40 Years Ago

A special, 40th anniversary remembrance for the six people who perished during the tragic River Restaurant explosion on Dec. 6, 1985, was also highlighted during the ceremony.

“Forty years ago today, our community was forever changed by the River Restaurant fire,” said Garofalo. “In a single devastating night, lives were lost, families were shattered and a town was left to carry the weight of absence that can still be felt across the decades.”

The six people who died were Thomas Nedavaska, Albert Paolozzi, Mabel Paolozzi, Concetta “Connie” Ippolito Pogozelski, Bernice Kiley Shortell and Dorothy Bernice Shortell.

“These six souls were mothers and fathers, daughters and friends, beloved members of families and of this community,” Garofalo said. “Their absence has been felt for 40 years, yet their memory continues to shine in the lives they touched and in the love that outlives them.”

Alderwoman Sarah Widomski closed the ceremony with a powerful rendition of “God Bless America.”

List Of City Officials Sworn In:

Mayor

Joseph L. DiMartino

Town/City Clerk

Marc J. Garofalo

City Treasurer

Barbara J. Montalvo

City Constables

Aniello D. Malerba, Jr

Carlo N. Malerba, Sr.

Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen

1st Ward:

Arthur Newberg

Amy L. Pettinicchi

Sarah Widomski

2nd Ward:

George F. Kurtyka

Roberto Santos

Ronald M. Sill

3rd Ward:

David Chevarella

Robin Falcioni-Smith

Robert Hyder

Board of Apportionment and Taxation:

Jennifer Desroches

Colleen Germain-Ezzo

Michael Gray

Kristen Mancini-Wright

Tina Parelli-Silkoff

Bhamini Patel

Jerry Borrelli

Jimmy Silkoff

Ashley Simon

Laura Wabno

Board of Education

Daniel P. Foley, Jr.

Jim Gildea

Karla Malerba

Kenneth R. Marcucio, Sr.

Melissa Mongillo

Erica Nuzzo

Rebecca O’Hara,

Holly Orazietti

Kimberly Tovar