Edward J. & Marie M. Cecarelli Book Fund

Marie Gambaccini and Ed Cecarelli's love story began one enchanted evening at the annual Adriatic Marchegian Club dinner in New Haven where Ed was a guest.

Ed asked his New Haven host for a proper introduction to Marie. Ed soon swept Marie off her feet; they married, settled in Derby, raised their family and became involved in many community organizations and causes, especially the Derby Public Library.

Ed, a lifelong citizen of Derby, civic leader and former mayor, discovered a love of reading at a young age. He spent many afternoons at the Derby Public Library studying Latin, history or English. Marie was a founding member of the "Friends of the Library" and served on the Library Board. She was active in the Library's renovation, ensuring the Library's artifacts and The Leatherman painting were carefully restored for display.

Marie was instrumental in having the Library listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of its100th anniversary. It is because of their parents' love of the Library that the Cecarelli children established the Edward J. & Marie M. Cecarelli Book Fund to honor their parents.

The children agreed they were very lucky to have such wonderful parents who instilled in them a sense of love, integrity, humility and respect as well as their passion for books.

Their parents often cited their favorite quote from Hamlet: "This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."

The quotation has special meaning for the Cecarelli children and grandchildren, reminding them of Marie and Ed's legacy, which will continue through a designated endowment supporting the ongoing purchase of books for the Derby Public Library.