By MATT DEMIRS
REVERE — A plaque dedicated in memory of former Mayor George V. Colella will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Saturday at City Hall.
He was the longest-serving elected official in the state’s history after 50 years in public offices, according to Mayor Brian M. Arrigo.
Ward 5 Councilor John F. Powers, a colleague for 14 years, said Colella, who died in 2010, made an indelible mark on the city.
“He has left a tremendous impression on the city of Revere while serving in public office,” he said. “As mayor, his primary concern was to keep taxes low for people who relied on fixed incomes because he realized their struggle.”
Councilor-at-Large and former Mayor Robert J. Haas Jr., who worked with Colella for more than three decades, said residents respected him.
“He kept the city moving forward in the right direction,” he said. Haas agreed there is no better place than City Hall for Colella’s bronze plaque.
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“It is a great tribute to his daughters and will serve as a beacon for his dedication to Revere and its people” he added.
Powers said the plaque will “serve as a reminder to those who know George, and even those who didn’t. It shows how important his leadership was to our city.”
Born in 1927, Colella grew up in Revere. A longtime lover of his seaside city, Colella graduated from Revere High School in 1945, where he served as class president. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy. After returning home, he graduated from Boston University in 1952.
His first stint in office was when he was elected mayor in 1953 where he served for 20 years. He then did 25 years as city councilor and four years as a member of the Revere School Committee.
Colella was also involved in a number of local organizations from youth sports to senior citizen clubs including St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society, Soccorso Club, Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Patriot Civic Club, VFW and the Revere League for Special Needs.
Colella’s family will be present for the ceremony.
Matt Demirs can be reached at [email protected].