Photographs contributed by Lynne Colatrella
On behalf of the City of Stamford, the Jewish War Veterans Fred Robbins Post 142 is pleased to announce the selection of Gene Rubino as the 2014 City of Stamford Citizen of the 
Year.
Mr. Rubino was recognized as “a person who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, has demonstrated a belief in interfaith harmony, possesses the highest standards of responsibility in civic life, has helped in the promotion of projects for the public welfare and who has personally worked with distinction to benefit Stamford on a community-wide basis” – the criteria for selection of one of Stamford’s most prestigious community service/volunteer awards.
“There are few citizens who have dedicated as much of themselves, their vision and drive to the community as Gene Rubino. He has set an example for all of us in public service, giving back in ways that have supported Stamford’s growth and values. Each time Stamford has asked Gene for support – be it leadership, problem solving or financial, he has stepped up,” said Mayor David Martin. “I am proud to join the Committee in recognizing Gene with the 2014 Stamford Citizen of the Year Award.”
A native of Stamford, Gene grew up in Belltown, attended Stamford High, Tampa University and the University of Cincinnati, and served in the National Guard. In 1970, he founded Plaza Realty, the first full-service real estate company in the Stamford area and now the largest management company in Fairfield County. Under his leadership the company introduced a spectrum of specialized real estate services that have since set new standards of professional excellence in the property management industry.
Excellence is also reflected in Gene’s many decades of community service in Stamford. He has supported our youth throughout Stamford and has served as Director of the Stamford YMCA, President and Director of the Exchange Club, Vice President and Director of the Stamford Boys and Girls Club, and Director of the American Red Cross. He has held executive positions at the Italian Center and Yerwood Center and has contributed his services in successful fund raising drives for Trinity Catholic High School, the Stamford Boys and Girls Club and Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Currently, Gene is serving on the Yale University School of Medicine Eye Center Advisory Board.
Two upcoming events will celebrate the 2014 Citizen of the Year. The first is when Mr. Rubino’s name plaque is added to those past recipients previously honored at Town Hall, and the second is the 70th annual Stamford Citizen of the Year dinner which will be held in coming May 2015.
About the City of Stamford Citizen of the Year Award
In the early 1940s, Fred Robbins, a veteran who had served in both World War I and II, settled in Stamford, became involved in community affairs and worked with then Mayor Webster Givens to establish a Citizen of the Year (COTY) award. COTY has been awarded since 1945 when Mayor Givens appointed Post 142 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States be the sponsoring organization. Now named Fred Robbins Post 142, it has sponsored the award on behalf of the City for 70 years, and over this time, has honored 70 men and women who have served the Stamford community so well.