Milford officials, family and friends lined the railings at the Town Hall on Sept. 14 to dedicate the Select Board meeting room in memory of longtime public servant Dino B. DeBartolomeis, who died in April.

DeBartolomeis served nearly four decades on the Select Board before retiring in 2015, though he remained a town staple, mentor, and advisor for the rest of his life.

“Many of us worked with him, learned from him, and relied on his calm leadership,” said Select Board Chairman Paul Mazzuchelli as he opened the dedication ceremony. “Naming this room for Dino ensures that his spirit of service stays with us every time we gather to do the town’s work.”

Mazzuchelli said DeBartolomeis made residents feel heard, respected and valued, and thanked “his family for sharing him with the town for so many years.”

State Rep. Brian Murray, who served alongside DeBartolomeis on the Select Board for 15 years, called the dedication a fitting honor.

“Dino was an exceptional public servant, in the true sense of the term,” Murray wrote in a Facebook post after the ceremony.” He was a great friend and mentor and while I certainly miss him, I will never forget him.”

Local attorney and lifelong friend of DeBartolomeis, Ernie Pettinari, reflected on the man that meant so much to him, both professionally, and personally.

“It really still messes my mind up to think that he’s gone,” Pettinari said, holding back tears. “Dino was a real, genuine human being. He loved this community, and every person in it.”

Former State Rep. John Fernandes said dedicating the room ensures DeBartolomeis’ name and legacy will remain part of Milford Town Hall.

“We know Dino took his last breath way too soon, but as long as the dedication to the room is to him,” Fernandes said, “then Dino will live on.”

Before closing out the ceremony, Fernandes drew laughter and agreement from those gathered when he said, “I know that if Dino were able to see this today, he’d say, ‘Well, this is nice.’”