Persano remembered for service on Somers Finance Board
Jul. 27—SOMERS — The town is mourning the loss of Jim Persano, chairman of the Board of Finance for 27 years, who died July 20 at age 61 after a lengthy illness.
Colleagues remember him as smart, financially savvy, and a leader of the community.
COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND
SERVICE: James W. Persano was chairman of the Board for Finance for 27 years, a member of the Board of Finance following chairmanship, and a member of Knights of Columbus Council.
CONDOLENCES: Donations in Persano's name may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, visit
Chief Financial Officer Michael Marinaccio said he admired Persano for having the town's best interests at heart and for deciding to step down from the chairmanship a few years ago when he learned of health problems.
"Jim loved serving but put his ego aside when he realized it wouldn't be possible for him to attend all the meetings," Marinaccio said. "I will miss him."
Persano continued to serve as a member of the Board of Finance after stepping down from the chairmanship.
After moving back to his hometown from Washington D.C. in 1991, First Selectman Timothy R.E. Keeney said he first met Persano on the Republican Town Committee, and has considered him not only a colleague but also a friend for over 30 years.
"Because of his background working as an accountant for many years, Jim understood the need for sound financial planning," Keeney said. "In his role as leader of the finance board, he became a pillar of the community."
Keeney said the town relied on Persano as a leader with good judgment. "He had a steady hand on the tiller and was able to steer the Board of Finance toward what it was supposed to do."
Former First Selectman C. G. "Bud" Knorr also recalled Persano as a leader in the town. "Jim was a wonderful, professional man who was a lover of the Somers community and a great friend," he said. "His steady hand through many years as chairman of the Board of Finance is one of the reasons the community is in such good financial shape today."
Marinaccio concurs that Persano had much to do with Somers' financial health. "As an accountant, Jim understood all the issues in depth," he said. "That made communication with him very easy."
Marinaccio said Persano had faith in what the finance department does, and always backed what its officers said during discussions that may have been difficult for some finance board members to understand thoroughly.
Marinaccio said he and Persano spoke on a regular basis before meetings, particularly during budget time. "Jim was razor sharp when it came to understanding issues," he said, adding that Persano ran the meetings in a streamlined fashion.
Many friends have posted condolences on the Somers Funeral Home website, recalling Persano's good qualities and their memories spending time with him and his family for Sunday pot roast "at the drop of a hat."
For more coverage of Somers and Enfield, follow Susan Danseyar on Twitter: @susandanseyar, Facebook: Susan Danseyar, reporter.
