Larson Statement on the Passing of Longtime Staffer, Former State Senator, Connecticut Icon Biagio “Billy” Ciotto

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the passing of Biagio "Billy" Ciotto of Wethersfield. Ciotto was a former State Senator and Deputy DMV Commissioner. He had served on Larson's staff since 2007.

"Heaven will never be the same now that Billy will be holding court there(with an unlit cigar in his hand, of course).

"We are all saddened by the passing of one of the most unique human beings that I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing and working with. Billy Ciotto epitomized public service, he lived to serve his community. He went above and beyond public service every single day and communicated on a level with people that wasgenuine, sincere, straightforward, and honest. You never had to worry where Billy was coming from, he gave it to you straight. He was compassionate, understanding, has probably helped more individuals in his life than any public servant that I can recall.

"He will dearly be missed by everyone,especially by our office where he continued to work. And he frequently like to remind me that:‘John Larson was a good Congressman, then he hired me and became a great one.'

"Leslie and I, and the entire Larson Congressional staff and families mourn his loss and extend our sympathy to Jeanie and his children, Maria, Julie, Anthony, Joe, and John."