School Board Member Biography

Name: Robert Damaschi

Phone Number: 568-6327

Occupation: Retired

Elected to Board: 1979

Term Expires: 2013

Robert J. (Bob) Damaschi was born in Hartford.  He went to the Richard J. Kinsella School, now a magnet school, through the fifth grade, and recently re-visited the school.  His father died when he was nine years old, and his mother raised four children.  When he had completed eighth grade, his family moved to East Hartford, where he has lived ever since.  He is a graduate of East Hartford High school, and has worked since leaving school until today.  He worked for Moriarty Brothers in Manchester for almost twenty-eight years; the last several years as parts manager.  Then he worked for thirteen years for the Purdy Corporation, making and buying parts.  Then three years in Bolton, followed by nine years for Alloy Specialties in Manchester.  He is married, and all five of his children went through the East Hartford Public Schools.  His daughter has been teaching in East Hartford for 38 years, and he enjoys pointing out that she was hired long before he joined the school board.

Why are you a Board of Education Member?:
Mr. Damaschi first joined the school board in 1979, losing one election early in his career.  He served for two years on the town council, but decided that the action was at the Board of Education.  He has worked with six superintendents.  He has lived through huge demographic changes.  He wants things to run smoothly.  His top priority is test scores; he feels that the school board, the administration, the teachers and the community should unite on that issue.  He supports good ideas, wherever they come from, and continues to have an open mind.