Joseph Barbieri was honored Thursday for his years of good work and service in the city by being named the 2017 Italian Mayor of the Day and Lord Mayor for Columbus Day. The event was part of Torrington’s annual festivities celebrating Columbus Day and the city’s Italian citizens, who founded many of its neighborhoods and businesses and have integrated their culture and customs into the fabric of the community. After a wreath-laying ceremony at Columbus Square in the early morning, local and state officials and residents made their way to Coe Memorial Park to honor the Italian Mayor of the Day.

Barbieri was born in Torrington in 1933 and graduated from Torrington High School, according to the city chapter of UNICO. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he started RJB Contracting, Inc. in 1983. He is the former president of the Civitan Club and a member of UNICO, the Holy Name Society of St. Peter's Church, and the advisory board for the Center for Cancer Care. He married Joyce Weingart in 1957 and has three sons and five grandchildren. Barbieri raises funds for the cancer center in his late wife’s honor, and created a trail there in her memory.