Esposito recalled for service to Norwalk

Former Mayor Frank Esposito, who served a record seven terms as the city's top elected official, was remembered Monday for his love and understanding of people, decades of public service and accomplishments, and fun-loving personality.

"Public service is not easy, and on the local level, it can be very difficult," said former Mayor Frank Zullo, one of two elected officials who delivered eulogies during Esposito's Mass of Christian Burial in St. Matthew's Church on Scribner Avenue.

City residents who support a mayor's decision don't have long memories, while those who oppose the decision never forget, Zullo said. He said mayors, unlike elected officials at the state and federal levels, are not insulated from their constituents, but must be prepared to justify their decisions to constituents "at every turn."

Still, Esposito won seven elections in a row, serving as mayor from 1987 to 2001, a record Zullo said he doubts anyone else will achieve.

State Rep. Lawrence Cafero Jr., who also delivered a eulogy, said Esposito had "incredible knowledge" of people and human nature, and knew how to bring people together and negotiate settlements. He noted Esposito was not a man of great wealth or lengthy formal education, but his "wealth and success was measured by how much he loved and how much he was loved by others, and, by that measure, Frank was the richest and most powerful man in the world."

The Rev. Walter Orlowski, pastor of St. Matthew's Church, said people always knew where Esposito stood on issues and many city residents remarked at Esposito's wake on Sunday that when they called his office and reached his secretary, Esposito always called back that afternoon. Orlowski said Esposito "understood his role in life: to serve God's people to the best of his ability."

Esposito's accomplishments as mayor included building a parking garage for rail commuters, raising the city's bond rating to the top AAA through sound financial management, leading the effort for a $50 million upgrade to Norwalk's sewage treatment plant and moving the Department of Public Work's garage from Matthews Park so a children's museum and playground could be built on that property, Zullo said.

Zullo said Esposito also designated a new site for the Norwalk Police Department, closed the city dump, which was near Interstate 95 and the last thing visitors saw of the city when entering or leaving it, and supported The Maritime Aquarium at a time when it wasn't that popular. "Frank saw the need for that center and supported it, and thank God because it's one of the rocks of South Norwalk," Zullo said.

"He knew how to work behind the scenes and across the aisle. Keep in mind he did all of this while still maintaining a very reasonable tax rate," Zullo said.

Esposito also had a fun-loving side, which Zullo and Cafero recalled in anecdotes that gave a glimpse into Esposito's sense of humor.

Cafero recalled going with Esposito to Hartford to ask then-Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. for more money for the city and that Weicker, whose idea of a state income tax had been opposed by Esposito, launched into a tirade filled with colorful language. "We could not get out of there quickly enough," Cafero said. "Just as we got out, Frank said, `I forgot my coat in his office,' and he sent me in to get it."

Zullo recalled a time when he and Esposito stood by a table of hors d'oeuvres during a function and a woman walked up and asked who they were. Esposito took both of her hands in his and introduced himself as Frank Zullo. The woman, Zullo said, replied that she had wanted to meet Zullo for a long time and believed that he was the best mayor the city ever had.

Zullo said Esposito, who served in the Korean War and on the city's Common Council and state's General Assembly, dedicated his adult life "to make Norwalk a better place for all of us and for future generations.

Zullo said a good man must die, but his death cannot erase his good name or memory. "All who knew him and worked for him are better for that experience," he said.

Esposito's 90-minute service included the hymns, and his coffin was brought out of the church to an organist's rendition of "My Way," which Cafero said was Esposito's favorite song.

"There's a little piece of each and every one of us that is missing today, and the shine of our beloved Norwalk has lost a little luster," Cafero said. "Rest in peace, my dear friend. We'll see you soon."

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