Sebastian M. Polo

Sebastian M. 'Sebby' Polo, 91, of Hartford, passed away suddenly, Monday, (October 19, 2009) at his home. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary (DeAngelis) Polo, who predeceased him in 2008. He was born June 20, 1918, in Wethersfield and was the son of the late Paolo and Sebastiana (Melluzzo) Polo. He was known for his dynamic personality and community leadership. Appointed by Mayor Thirman Milner of Hartford, he was the ambassador for Goodwill to Italy. He served 17 years as chairman of the board of directors for the Columbus Day celebration. In Connecticut, he served two years as chairman of the Fair Rent Commission, was appointed to serve on two Charter Revision Commissions and was president of the Hartford Tax Payers Association. Sebby also served ten years on the Forfeited Rights Commission, became vice chairman for the Thalassemia Society, chairman of the Project Area Committee Redevelopment Commission, president of South Green Neighborhood Council and elected state representative of the 5th Assembly district in 1973. Sebby was a distinguished advocate and member of the Order of Sons of Italy in America for 59 years. His service to the Italian-American community has been recognized through his dedicated civic, political and social achievements. In 1991 he was elected a trustee for the Sons of Italy Foundation and continued serving to date as Trustee Emeritus. Sebby joined Hartford Lodge #333 and served as a trustee, orator, assistant president and president. He also served four years as State President of the Grand Lodge of CT. Sebby was also an avid Uconn basketball fan. Of all his accomplishments, there is nothing he was more proud of than his loving family. He is survived by his two devoted sons, Paul S. Polo and Nami Kim of Westbrook and Michael S. Polo and Ann St. Amand of Rocky Hill; his daughter-in-law, Joan Polo; four grandsons, Dr. Paul S. Polo. Jr. and his wife, Angela, Daniel T. Polo, Michael G. Polo and Thomas M. Polo and his wife, Kara; granddaughter-in-law, Shelly Polo; seven cherished great-grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Anthony, Philip, Nicole, Emily, Ashla and Abigail; sisters-in-law, Ann Leardi, Josephine DeAngelis, Carrie DeAngelis and Jean DeAngelis; a nephew, Umberto Mozzicato and a great-niece, Iolanda Cannamela. Sebby is also survived by many close friends who were part of the monthly 'Dinner with the Boys.' He was predeceased by four sisters, Lucia, Paoletta, Marietta and Santina. Funeral service will be Thursday at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Church, 66 Bolton St., Hartford. The burial will be in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours are Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral chapel with a Sons of Italy prayer service to be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Subby's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457 or Susan G. Komen for the Cure , Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. For on line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com