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Some people knew Stamford resident Vincenzo Martino best as a teacher of languages. For others his greatest impact was as a local official who helped create and sustain city parks. Others still fondly recall his radio program of Italian music
Martino, who gave so much of himself to Stamford, died last Wednesday, Dec. 15. He was 85. A Mass will be held Monday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Ave.
Martino was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Celle di San Vito, Foggia, Italy. After attending private school he continued his studies at the University of Rome law school. He came to the United States while in his mid-20s, settling in Ohio with family members. Martino earned a bachelors degree in Romance languages from Ohio State University in 1956. He received a masters degree from Fairfield University. He thought he would become an attorney. He even made plans to attend law school in Brooklyn. But a two-year stint teaching French and Spanish in Columbus derailed thoughts of pursuing the law as a profession.
He was, he realized, a teacher at heart. He taught French and Spanish at Port Chester High School and, beginning in 1961, at Stamford High School. Martino was hired 10 years later to be head of the Foreign Languages Department at the then-newly opened Westhill High School. Known to many as il professore, or the teacher, Martino was revered by students for his support and encouragement.
He retired from his post at Westhill in 1990. Martino was a member of the Stamford Board of Representatives, Democratic City Committee, and the Stamford Parks and Recreation Commission. His radio program, The Italian Melodies, aired on WSTC in Stamford. Deeply proud of and devoted to his heritage, Martino was a member of a number of Italian-American organizations, among them the Italian-American professional business organization UNICO. During his tenure as president he worked to establish Columbus Park and helped plan celebrations for Columbus Day.
Martino was honored by the state of Connecticut for his work teaching Romance languages, and by the Italian government for teaching the Italian language and for his commitment to Italian heritage. He served on the Parish Advisory Board at Sacred Heart Church, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, fourth degree.
Martino is survived by his wife, Felicia; sons, Anthony and Robert, and daughters-in-law Stephanie and Danielle.
Entombment will follow the service at St. Johns Roman Catholic Cemetery in Darien. Contributions in Martinos memory may be made to UNICO Stamford chapter Scholarship Fund, c/o Anthony Rizzi, 56 Nyselius Place, Stamford.
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