During a special awards ceremony, Spano celebrated the former mayors’ commitment to the city, issuing him a bronze plaque celebrating his legacy that will be on display in the waiting room at the Yonkers Train Station.
The event coincided with Martinelli’s 90th birthday.
Martinelli was first elected as mayor in 1974. He proceeded to serve six terms and held several positions in both national and state organizations, earning him “a reputation as an effective and forceful advocate of municipal government interests,” Spano noted. He is particularly remembered for his efforts in resurrecting the local Police Athletic League and transforming the train station by bringing Amtrak to Yonkers.
The former owner of Gazette Press, Inc., the oldest printing firm in Westchester, Martinelli continues to serve as Chairman of the Board at Today Media, the publisher of four regional magazines.
“I’ve been around a long time, and I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of great people,” Martinelli said. “But today is one of the greatest days of my life.”
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