COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont town is recognizing a longtime resident for his service to the community. The Colchester Selectboard approved a decision to permanently name a road after Sen. Dick Mazza.
“There are legions of lives he has touched and nurtured,” Colchester Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger said. “He has dedicated his adult life to Colchester.”
The town of Colchester voted to name the road leading into the area’s new rec center Dick Mazza Drive. Mazza has lived in Colchester his whole life, owns Dick Mazza’s General Store and has served at the Statehouse for nearly 40 years.
“He’s just always had a real love and concern for the people in Colchester in so many ways, not only through his business but also through the charity and work he’s done so humbly,” said Lynn Mazza.
The selectboard and Mazza’s family decided to forgo their original idea to change the name of Malletts Bay Avenue after public concern about the ramifications of a name change.
“We are representatives and we can never take that lightly and never underestimate the power of one person to have a significant impact,” said Selectboard member Maureen Dakin.
The Mazza family attended the meeting, and though the senator himself was not able to make it, they said he would have appreciated the recognition. “I think he would truly be honored and humbled to know that the people of Colchester just recognized all the years of selfless service,” Lynn Mazza said.