By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Italian Heritage Committee will honor longtime West Haven Italian American Civic Association President Paul M. Frosolone as the city’s primo Italiano at the 27th annual Italian Heritage Celebration.
Frosolone, a long-standing member of the committee and one of its hardest-working volunteers, will receive the Italian American of the Year award during a ceremony outside City Hall at noon Oct. 9.
The award is bestowed annually on an Italian resident or couple who exemplifies service in West Haven’s close-knit Italian community.
Accompanied by Italian music and guided by Borer, members of the committee and the Italian American Civic Association will escort Frosolone, the grandson of immigrant grandparents from southern Italy, to the front steps of City Hall for his special recognition.
“I’m honored that our mayor, Dorinda Borer, chose me for this great honor as the city’s Italian of the Year,” said Frosolone, an ambassador of his proud Italian ancestry. “This is a great testament to all my ancestors who came to America with only the clothes on their backs, and their sacrifice and hard work have been paying off for generations of my family. I hope to see family and friends on the steps of City Hall on Oct. 9 at noon to celebrate this great honor.”
At the ceremony, the lifelong Westie will pay tribute to his Italian lineage with scores of friends and loved ones, along with an array of dignitaries and descendants of folks from the old country clad in red, white and green.
Frosolone, 60, will receive an embroidered “Italian American of the Year 2026” jacket and an official citation from Borer for his public-spirited contributions, including his many years of handing the Italian flag to past Italian American of the Year recipients on behalf of the Italian American Civic Association.
The city’s top Italian will also receive an Italian flag from Paul Messina, a longtime member of the association’s board of directors, and Debbie Giordano, the vice president of the association’s Ladies Auxiliary.
“Paul Frosolone truly personifies the selflessness, dedication and cultural pride that define our Italian community,” Borer said. “For decades, Paul has either been at the forefront of ensuring that Italian culture continues to be embraced and celebrated or working behind the scenes to make sure our Italian celebrations are seamless and enjoyed by all, and now it is an absolute privilege to present that flag to him as our 2026 Italian American of the Year.
“As a lifelong resident, a dedicated small-business owner and the longtime president of the Italian American Civic Association, Paul’s civic-minded good works stretch across every corner of our city. His deep commitment to public service and volunteerism honors the bold spirit of his Italian ancestors who immigrated to America to build a better life. Paul carries forward that legacy every day, and West Haven is a stronger, richer community because of his tireless devotion.”
The cultural event will include remarks by Borer and chief of staff Rick Spreyer, the master of ceremonies. Before an Italian blessing, West Haven’s own Liz Levy will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Italian national anthem, “II Canto degli Italiani.”
In observance of Italian American Heritage Month, West Haven recognizes the unique traditions of Americans of Italian descent and celebrates the story of generations of Italian sons and daughters who came to the United States seeking hope and opportunity to reach for the American dream.
Frosolone’s maternal grandparents emigrated from the Benevento village of Faicchio, and his paternal great-grandparents emigrated from Naples.
In the daring spirit of Italians who charted a course for millions of immigrants who followed their crossing to America, Frosolone and his grandparents are a testament to the diversity and promise of the United States.
The second youngest of six children, 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.
Frosolone noted his last name originates from Frosolone, a southern Italian town famous for producing cutlery since 1780. He said his ancestors were known for fabricating cutting tools, including knives and scissors.
Speaking of cutting tools, Frosolone is perhaps best known as the owner and operator of Paul M. Frosolone Landscaping LLC of West Haven for three decades.
He is also known for leading a life of public service.
A former West Haven GOP mayoral candidate, Frosolone has served on the Republican Town Committee for 38 years, including 12 years as chairman.
He 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.
Frosolone 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.
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