For as long as he can remember Michael Richetelli has loved the town of Orange.{{more}}
His family has strong ties in the community.
Although he grew up in neighboring Woodbridge, his parents were from Orange and as a child he loved to visit his grandparents who lived on Old Tavern Road.
“Even though I didn’t grow up in Orange I have very deep roots,” he said.
“When my wife and I decided to buy a home we never considered anyplace else,” Richetelli said.
He said Orange has a good balance of both rural character and a strong economic base.
Richetelli is an expert in the field of economic development; he is president and designated broker of Colonial Properties, Inc- a role he has held for more than a decade.
Colonial Properties was founded in 1978 by his father Gary Richetelli.
Besides his demanding fulltime job Michael finds time to be active in many town events.
He has been involved in the Orange Rotary for the past 10 years and is its current president.
He has led many of the clubs events including the annual Lobsterfest, auction and rose sale.
“I think it’s important for everyone to get involved in their community in one way or another. Volunteering and using whatever resources I have to make a difference in people’s lives and especially in the community in which I and my family live is a priority in my life,” Richetelli said of his community involvement.
He has two children, a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son both at Peck Place School
“I especially have a passion for advocating for children and supporting causes that promote their welfare. That’s why I’ve been on the Rotary Statewide Amber Alert ID Committee and have coordinated the Rotary Club of Orange’s Amber Alert ID program since its inception. This is also why I was compelled to form the Concerned Orange Parents Association two years ago when concerns arose that the Board of Education had used a flawed process to hire the Superintendent of Schools.”
Richetelli was referencing last year’s superintendent’s search where he was part of a search committee that was charged with recommending a new superintendent. The Board of Education did not heed the committee’s recommendation.
He is also a past recipient of the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award, a recognition of exceptional service.
He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Infant Council and has been a Little League coach.
Michael also serves on the Board of Directors for the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and was president of the Board for two terms; in 2009, he received the Director of the Year award from the Chamber. He is a member of the Orange Economic Development Corporation.
He has been awarded several “Deal of the Year” awards by the Greater New Haven Association of Realtors GNHAR Commercial Investment Division, including the most recent in 2012, for “Retail Sale of the Year.”
Richetelli said he believes his business has become an integral part of the Orange community.
“Our company has helped to bring economic development to town,” he said.
He said Colonial Properties is responsible for bringing Chef’s Equipment, Hawley Lane Shoes, Target and Kohls to town. And the very recently opened Prime 16 burger bar.
“I like to think we have done a good job and been good corporate citizens (in town).