Longest serving Fall River City Councilor Leo Pelletier says farewell

It was an emotional and heartfelt city council meeting in Fall River Tuesday night as long-standing councilor Leo Pelletier served his last meeting after 36 years.

Councilor-elect Cliff Ponte spoke during public input, highlighting Leo’s dedication to constituent services. City resident Dan Robillard, who attends almost all city council meetings, spoke about the first time he met Leo and how Leo will never be forgotten.

Citations were issued to Leo for his service by councilwoman Linda Pereira as well as Mayor Paul Coogan. Pereira gifted Leo a box of chow mein, symbolic of all the chow mein dinners Leo hosted throughout the city over the years. Mayor Coogan presented Leo with a key to the city.

City Council President Joe Camara gave some personal remarks about his time running for office and serving with Leo. Councilor Kilby remarked how his own parents love Leo and how he will miss working with him.

Councilor Pelletier then spoke and introduced members of his family, thanking them for their support throughout the years. He especially acknowledged his wife, Deb, who many know from working the information desk in the lobby of city hall. Deb herself will be retiring in January, coordinating with her husband.

Pelletier spoke about his health and his decision to retire. During a video montage played in chambers, a clip of Leo getting emotional about his recent heart attack made some in attendance tear up, with some saying they knew his retirement was for real this time. The video included pictures of Leo from when he first ran for city council, including his well-known red van that was a staple throughout the city.

The longtime councilor spoke about representing the residents of the city and while he said it was a stressful one, he always voted how he felt was best for the city. Leo reminisced about big projects that he voted in support of, including the building of the Veterans Memorial bridge, the new police station as well as nine new schools, including the new Durfee high school.

At the end of his speech, Leo thanked everyone and had one more thought:

“If I hurt anybody, I apologize. Sometimes you say things and they don’t come out right but it’s okay.”

Leo Pelletier is the longest serving city councilor in the history of Fall River. It is truly the end of an era. Thank you, Leo, for everything.