Winthrop Philanthropist: Vigliotta to Be Honored Along with Other MASC Winners

Angelo Vigliotta is a hard-working businessman and homeowner in Winthrop. He is a father of two daughters, both of whom will be students at Winthrop High School next year and he is a board member of the Viking Pride Foundation.

According to the Massachusetts Association of School Committee’s (MASC) he is also the 2011-2012 Winthrop Friend of Public Education, an honor that will be bestowed upon him at Thursday night’s June 14 School Committee meeting, by MASC Executive Director Glenn Koocher.

“I do a lot of electricitical work for the school system, we send our guys over there and basically if I can do the job and just charge for materials, that’s what I do,” explained Vigliotta, of the reason he is being honored on Thursday evening. “I try to do whatever I can, when I can. The schools are suffering, money is tight and I think it makes sense to help out.”

Vigliotta is not originally from Winthrop. Like many of Winthrop residents he grew up in in neighboring East Boston, moving to Winthrop 16 years ago, when he bought his first home.

“I just love this community. My children are here, in the school system, so that is a factor, but it’s a great town, a great place to raise your kids and that’s why we do what we do,” he said.

Vigliotta also noted that he had never given any thought to personal recognition for his efforts on behalf of the schools but nonetheless was honored and grateful for the acknowledgement.

“I am honored to be given this award, “ said Vigliotta, who has a member of the Viking Pride Foundation board, will also be on hand to accept award to that group as well on Thursday night. “When you make decisions to do these things to help the schools and help the kids, you don’t do it to be seen or recognized, but when John (Macero) called to tell me that I’d been chosen for this award, it was a great thing.”

Vigliotta will be joined by his wife Gabriella and their daughters Jessica and Francesca, who will be entering the 10th and 9th grades respectively next year at Winthrop High School.