At the ancient age of 18 in 2015, Anthony Paoletto was elected the youngest member of the City Council in history representing the Upper East Side 138th District. Ten years later he’s been honored with another first, the youngest to serve as Grand Marshal of the annual Greater Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade, one of the oldest continuing celebrations in the country, honoring the heritage and contributions of Italian Americans.
The parade is the signature event of the Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport. This year’s parade will take place October 12.
Paoletto has served in the mayoral administration of Joe Ganim in several capacities including in the Health Department where he helped coordinate the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing roughly 350 vaccine clinics. He now serves as a special projects communications manager in the mayor’s office assisting in social media and community outreach.
An active Democratic Party official, Paoletto is a lifelong Bridgeport resident who has volunteered for a number of civic groups such as the Barnum Festival and Bridgeport Police Activities League. Well liked in the mayor’s office, he also brings to the table a cadre of young friends and contacts in support of the October events celebrating cultural heritage.
A kick-off event in his honor will take place Thursday June 26, 5 p.m. at Brewport. More details from Paoletto’s Facebook page:
This year I have been honored to be selected as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade & Celebration in Bridgeport! To kick-off our summer of events, I am hoping you can join me this Thursday, June 26 for our official Meet & Greet Reception & Presentation of Sash. The reception starts at 5:30 PM at Brewport in Bridgeport. Tickets are $60 each and available for purchase online or at the door. When checking out, the website asks for an optional donation. Select the amount and select other so you can skip paying the donation fee.
Always doing the city proud!
Anthony brings a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to everything he does.
Congratulations Anthony!