8-06-2022 3:00pm

Bissanti Memorial Dedicated at Dog Park

Alan Earls Editor

Andrew “Andy” Bissanti, multi-term Town Councilor and businessman, who died early in January of this year, unexpectedly at age 64, had been a member of The Furry Friends of Franklin, the group that maintains the Franklin Dog Park at Dacey Community Field. As Gennarino D'Onofrio, president of the group, remembers it, “people had been talking back and forth about building some kind of shelter at the park for inclement weather, but Andy finally just jotted down what was needed, purchased the supplies, and had his employees show up and build it,” he recalls.

That was in 2021, the bulk of the work finished only weeks before Bissanti took ill and eventually died. D’Onofrio and others then discussed ways to memorialize Andy and finally, along with others in the Furry Friends, agreed that a plaque recognizing his leadership and the generosity of Andy and his family, would be just right.

So, at long last, Saturday morning D’Onofrio and dozens of others friends, family, and colleagues of Andy gathered at the dog park for the unveiling of the plaque, kept initially shrouded by flag-themed bunting.

After D’Onofrio’s remarks of welcome to attendees and of appreciation for Andy, town councilor Brian Chandler, who served with Andy on his last term in office, delivered an appreciation of Andy’s tirelessness, dedication, and can-do attitude. He closed by urging everyone present to be sure to acknowledge anyone they know that is dedicated and selfless like Andy, and “just say thank you to them” because it means so much.

Above, Brian Chandler speaks

Then, Andy’s wife Christina, daughters, and grandchildren joined in pulling back the bunting and revealing the plaque beneath to applause from those present.

Those in attendance continued to socialize and take photos, enjoying the shade that kept the dog park considerably cooler than the rest of Dacey Field.