Hall of Fame Inductees

David Parke, M.D. (Science/Medicine)

1922 – 2020

Dr. David W. Parke was born in Hartford CT, in 1922 and spent most of his childhood in Meriden. After graduating from Meriden High School, he went on to Aurora College, Ohio State University, Wilmer Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington D.C. Following Completion of training, he moved back home to Meriden Where he maintained a comprehensive  ophthalmology practice from 1956 to 1993. Dr. Parke served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Meriden-Wallingford Hospital(Now Mid State Medical Center) for 27 years and as Chief of Medical Staff for 12 years. In 1993 he was awarded the Crystal Obelisk Award "In recognition of distinguished contribution to the advancement of health care delivery systems in the community". After a brief retirement he returned to devote his life to promoting Low Vision Rehabilitation.  Dr. Parke has served as President of the Meriden Lions Club and has been a recipient of numerous District Governor's Appreciation Awards and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest recognition bestowed by the Lions Club International Foundation. In 1990 Dr. Parke assumed the role of President of the Ct. Lions Low Vision Center.  As a direct result of his vision and continued support, these Vision Centers in CT. grew from one enter in 1990 to eight centers within ten years, servicing over 1500 clients each year.  Since 1996 Dr. Parke has has directed Low Vision Rehabilitation services as a member of the faculty of Yale University School of Medicine, teaching Low Vision Rehabilitation to the ophthalmology residents and providing direct patient care. Dr, Parke served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Bradley Home for the Aged, chaired Meriden's police and Fire Commission, has been a Director for the United Way and for twenty years a Director for the Salvation Army. His entire career has been marked by a continuous intense involvement in community service.

George H. Hamrah (Business & Commerce)

1922 – 2021

George Hamrah was born on May 9, 1922 to Rose (Mansour) and Abdulla Hamrah in Naugatuck Ct. moving to Meriden with his family in 1941.  he graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1940 and joined the family business, a Linen Shop in Meriden.  In January 1943 he entered the U.S. Army where he served for thirty seven months.  His unit was deployed overseas in 1944 and he served in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the Japanese surrendered he remained there until 1946 when he returned to the U.S. to be honorably discharged.  George returned to the family business and remained therefor many years until his retirement.  He was President of the Meriden Kiwanis Club, Vice President of the Meriden Intermediates, a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion and the Meriden Elks Club.  George is also well known for appearing in fifty nine consecutive Kiwanis Kapers Shows!  In 1982 the Meriden YMCA named him the Sportsman of the year. George now resides in Southington Ct.

Joseph F. Borriello (Law/Government/Military)

1923 – 2017

Joseph Borriello was born in Meriden on Nov 28, 1923, enlisted in the Army in September 1942 following high school graduation and was deployed to Morocco in 1943 to join the 3rd Infantry Division 10th Combat Engineer Battalion, then proceeded to Algeria, Tunisia, an amphibious assault of Sicily and a landing in Salerno Italy. Fierce fighting up the Italian boot to Monte Casino led to " four months of hell" pinned down at the  Anzio beachead until the division broke out on May 25th, 1944 capturing Rome on June 4th.  In August the division assaulted the beaches of Southern France and began a drive through Europe. After crossing into Germany, it was instrumental in capturing Nuremberg, Munich and Augsburg as well as Salzburg and Berchtesgaden in Austria. The 3rd division spent more days in combat (531) than any other division, had the most killed in action, the most wounded, and the most Medals of Honor(37). Joe served 528 days which included much of the most fiercest fighting of the war. He was awarded Battle stars for Tunisia, Sicily, Naples / Foggia, Anzio, Rome / Arno, Southern France, Ardennes / Alsace, Rhineland and Central Europe and was honorably discharged in November 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.    In 1946 Joe entered teachers College of Connecticut and following graduation in 1949, he married Evie Charest and began teaching at Samuel Huntington School. The Korean War intervened, deploying him to Augsburg Germany from 1950-1952 with the rank of First Lieutenant. He resumed teaching at Israel Putnam and Hanover schools until 1956 when he continued his remarkable career, serving as Principal at Eli Whitney, Jonathan Trumbull, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Hooker, Washington Junior High,Samuel Huntington and Casimir Pulaski Schools. He graduated from Hillyer College "56 (Med. and University of Hartford '64 (Advanced Graduate Studies).  he retired in 1989.

on November 16, 2011, Joe was appointed Chevalier(Knight) of the French Legion of Honor for his "contribution to the United States decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II" This insignia was bestowed at West Point Military Academy on May 8, 2012.  On December 13, 2011 the Connecticut general Assembly presented Joe with an official citation of gratitude for his World War II military service.  During the past 15 years Joe has been a member of the Antique Veterans of Meriden and the Y's Men of Meriden.  Joseph Boriello passed away in 2017 in Meriden CT.