The Torrington Chapter of UNICO National & Torrington
Mayor Ryan Bingham are proud to announce this year's "Italian Mayor of the
Day" Marjorie Mary Dante
On May 9, 1920 Marjorie (Margie) Dante was born
in Torrington Connecticut. Her mom and
dad Theresa (Perotti) and Nicholas Andreoli named her but the birth certificate
came out Mary M. Andreoli. For that
reason, she has enjoyed the persona of Mary M the businesswoman and Margie the
family member and friend for the last 90 years.
Growing up in Torrington in the depression era
was a challenge for everyone including the Andreoli family where Marge often
was responsible for babysitting her younger brother Johnny Andreoli and her
sister Angie both of whom have since passed away.
Marge’s biggest passion was dancing to the big
bands. She eventually met her husband
to be James Dante who was a dancer and musician. They both had an exciting courtship including dancing, music, and
work at the Torrington Company.,
Married in 1941 they settled in their new home at 4 Sharon Avenue and
had two children Sharon in 1945 ,not named after the street according to Marge,
and Joseph in 1950.
1945 was
the beginning of the baby boom period in the United States and Marge and Jim
built an addition onto their home and opened the Dante’s Diaper Service which
Marge managed while Jimmy continued his career at the Torrington Company. As one of few young female business women of
that period, Marge encountered all of the challenges of operating a service
business in the post war years giving her insurmountable knowledge and
experience. In the mid 1950’s their
efforts were recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as Business of the
Year.
Thou raising her children was her very first
priority and operating the business was important, Margie managed her leisure
time and was an avid golfer and member at the Greenwoods Country Club for
several decades... She was a member of
the Connecticut Womanize’ Golf Association and was the Champion and Runner Up
of Greenwoods Country Club’s Women’s League for several years from 1967 through
the mid 70’s. In addition Marge
attended the Torrington YMCA during the fall and winter months enjoying
attending and occasionally teaching exercise classes and playing volleyball.
In 1968 Marge co-founded the Torrington School
of Ballet with her daughter Sharon.
Marge has been the registrar and business manager of the school for the
last 42 years. She was also
instrumental in supporting the founding of the Nutmeg Ballet Company in 1969
which has since been further developed by her daughter Sharon and the Board of
Directors who have turned the School and Company into a national classical
ballet treasure, The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts.
Today, you would think that she is enjoying her
golden years…which she is……. but Marge still looks forward to going to her job
at Torrington School of Ballet and seeing the young happy faces of the children
coming to their first dance classes.
But her greatest joy is spending time with her
grandchildren and great granddaughter Briella Dante Rich. Marge follows the
Tennis and Golf Championships and reads the news & sports page every
morning to round out her week!
The Columbus Day Celebration will be held October 12th
beginning at 8:30am at Columbus Square with the laying of the wreath and
raising of the Italian flag. Followed by a ceremony starting at 9 am at
Torrington City Hall, that will include the raising of the Italian Flag,
entertainment, signing of Proclamations by the Italian Mayor of the Day and
refreshments. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this very special
day with a very special lady, Any questions may be directed to Peggy Hotchkiss,
Torrington Chapter of UNICO at 860- 601- 8508