Commitment to community earns Bristol native Hattie Brown Award

By Manuel C. “Manny” Correira
Posted 5/26/17

Besides his selfless dedication to volunteering in the community and his impressive career at Raytheon and in the military, one thing you have to know about the always-smiling, soon-to-be 67-year-old …

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Commitment to community earns Bristol native Hattie Brown Award

Posted

Besides his selfless dedication to volunteering in the community and his impressive career at Raytheon and in the military, one thing you have to know about the always-smiling, soon-to-be 67-year-old Bristol native Robert Squatrito ... he always comes prepared.

Case in point was during the initial meeting for this interview, Mr. Squatrito brought with him some old scrapbooks that depicted the events of much of his life. Everything was well-documented and in order, as you might expect from a man who has spent an inordinate amount of time working for his community, while juggling a full-time career. His commitment to the community is why Robert J. Squatrito is the 2017 Hattie Brown Award winner. 

Named in honor of the late Fourth of July Committee member who was well-known for her charitable contributions and community activism, the committee presents the award each July 4 during Patriotic Exercises at the Colt School. It is awarded to a Bristolian “who shows the same spirit of charity and community service Hattie Brown was known for.”

“I was very surprised to get this award,” said Mr. Squatrito, who like Miss Brown, has done a great deal of volunteer work in the community. “Hattie worked alongside me at Raytheon for eight years. She was a warm, loving person. She always did what she could for others without ever thinking of herself. It’s an honor to be recognized for giving back to the community.”

Like the award’s namesake, Mr. Squatrito exemplifies what the Hattie Brown Award is all about, according to Judy Squires, chairwoman of the award subcommittee.

“The committee thought that Bob Squatrito was the perfect choice for the Hattie Brown Award because of all the volunteerism he has done,” Ms. Squires said. “He certainly demonstrates the same spirit of community service as Hattie did many years ago. Bob started volunteering at the age of six and has not stopped to this day. The committee thought they couldn't find a better candidate for this award, and we know that the many organizations he helped over the years will definitely feel the same way.”

Following his Bristol High School graduation, Robert attended Providence College and graduated in 1972 with a degree in accounting. He later went on to Bryant College to earn credits within its Master’s program.

Robert Squatrito then began a 38-year career at the Raytheon Company’s Submarine Signal Division in Portsmouth. He rotated into 13 different positions of increasing responsibility and retired in 2010 as senior financial manager. Along the way, he received many noteworthy awards, including the IDS President’s Award, President Coin, and Finance Excellent Team Award. In 2009, he was one of four employees who received the IDS Our People Award. His accomplishments were concluded with the Raytheon Co. IDS “Person of the Year” Award for 2009.

He also received Ambassador status in 2009 from Northeastern University. In 2006, he envisioned and began building a program dedication to promote excellence within Raytheon Company’s Finance and Contract core by guiding employees in finding opportunities for rotations, education, and mentoring relationships. This vision led him to develop the Raytheon-Northeastern MBA Rotation Program.

In January 1990, he co-founded a tax preparation business, A & R Tax Associates, which is still serving the community after 27 years.

Robert also served 26 years with the RI National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. He retired in 1996 as a Master Sergeant within Food Service. A highlight of his career was winning the Philip A. Connelly Award as the best Field Food Service Unit in the National Guard and Army Reserves for the Army’s First Region.

During his prestigious career, Robert has found time to give back to the community, in the true spirit of Hattie Brown. For the last 25 years, he has been collecting for the Knights of Columbus Handicap Drive and distributing food to the needy as a member of the Friends of St. Elizabeth. He is also a driving force with the La Bella Sicilia Society, serving as the chairman of its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas fundraiser, which donates the proceeds to the less fortunate for food and presents during the holiday season. In addition, he is a member of the RI Blood Center Frequent Donors.

For the past 46 years, Robert has been married to the former Margaret Riley, his first and only true love. They have three children, Rob Jr., Margaret Gagner, and Melissa Silvia. They also have seven grandsons, Joshua, Andrew and Nicholas Squatrito, William Hunter Silvia, and Aidan, Liam and Riley John Gagner.

Robert and Margaret now winter in Sarasota, Fla., but when Robert returns, he can be seen cooking macaroni and meatballs for the Fourth of July fundraiser. He is also a part of the Visiting Ships Picnic Committee. From 2010 through 2014, Mr. Squatrito chaired four fundraisers and served on seven committees. He has been a key contributor to the Fourth of July Celebration.

His additional volunteer activities include past captain of the Bristol Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation “Dollars for Scholars;” past Company Captain of the Southeastern NE United Way; past Team Captain of the Heart Fund Colt State Park Walk; former umpire and coach of the Bristol King Philip Little League; past Committee Chairman of Cub Scout Pack #6, St. Mary’s Church; past Treasurer, Boy Scouts of America, Troop #6, St. Michael’s Church; and member of the Bristol Council #379 Knights of Columbus for 45 years.

Also, past volunteer instructor, Junior Achievement of RI, Project Business; former umpire and scorekeeper, Bristol Industrial Softball League; former line judge, Bristol County Touch Football League; former referee and scorekeeper, Bristol Recreation Summer Basketball League; former member, Cup Defenders Association; former social member, Defiance Hose Company; past Fair Chairman, St. Philomena’s School; and past member, Bristol High School Boosters Club.

Robert Squatrito lives for the Fourth of July. This year, it will take on a little more meaning. As one might expect, he’s busy mapping out his strategy and getting his patriotic attire in order. He’s excited at the prospect of attending Celebration events like the Fourth of July Ball, the Yacht Club Reception, and of course, participating in the Fourth of July Parade.

“Fourth of July has always been special to me,” he explained, “especially in this town. Like everyone else who lives here, I’ve learned that no one does it better than Bristol on the Fourth of July.”

Bristol Fourth of July, Hattie Brown winner

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