02/09/11 Nino Sechi Interview

SENIORITY By Anne W. Semmes: Nino Sechi, 84

Read more: http://www.greenwichcitizen.com/default/article/SENIORITY-By-Anne-W-Semmes-Nino-Sechi-84-1005837.php#ixzz1E1bBne9d

Do you live in Greenwich?

All my life. I was born in Greenwich.

Are you married?

No. My wife, Elene died last June. You're getting to me here. We were married 59 years. She was a Salerno. There are Salernos all over town.
Do you have any children?

Yes, one girl and two boys. And five grandchildren.

Are you retired?
Yes.

What did you do when you were working full time?

I started off as a reporter for Greenwich Time right after college, as sports editor. I worked for Charlie Piro and Bernie Yudain, Bill Fink and Bill Young. I used an Underwood typewriter. I still have it. I learned to type at Greenwich High School, 95 words a minute. It saved my life! During WWII when I was in the U.S. Army in the Philippines, I was asked by a soldier if I could type. He said would I rather go after the Japanese in the mountains, or do some typing for him. I chose the typing.
After the war, I worked for the Daily Item for seven and a half years. I wrote newsletters for American Machine Foundry in Greenwich, then for the International Paper Company in New York City -- the largest paper manufacturer in the world. I was division vice president and personnel manager for the company for 20 years. I moved on to Con Edison, managing their pension and 401K plans. I've dealt with paper all my life.

What was the most important thing you learned in your work?

Accuracy in everything I did. To be meticulous in getting everything done.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Miss Sullivan, my teacher at Greenwich High school, had us writing essays. She gave me a good mark and told me, "You ought to do some writing some day." That writing first tied into sports.

What was a significant memory or defining moment in your childhood?

I was walking down old Victoria Street when I was 8 years old -- it was during the Depression at the end of the 1930s. I found a $5 bill on the road. I came into the house and said to Mom, "I've got $5." "Where did you get it?" she asked. "You found it on the street?" Then, we hear a neighbor screaming at her husband, "What happened to that money?" My mother said to bring that money back to the neighbor. I wasn't happy; back then, that money would have fed me for a week. What's not yours is not yours, my mother said. That was a defining moment. I learned a lesson.

What are your main hobbies and interests?

Gardening. I love gardening. And giving back to the community. I do a lot for the community. I'm still giving, anything I can do for families. Did you know there are 500 needy families in this town? I'm a member of the Old Timers and the Chickahominy Reunion Association.

Are you computer-savvy?

Yes, I'm computer-savvy. I write my column every two weeks for the Greenwich Time. I've been doing it for seven years. I write about the western end of town, Pemberwick, Byram, Chickahominy, what problems are occurring in the town, the housing shortage.

Do you have a favorite sport?

Baseball.

Do you have a favorite book? A recent one you enjoyed?

Walter Cronkite's "A Reporter's Life."

Do you have a favorite work of art?

Mona Lisa.

What music do you listen to, and what is a favorite piece of music?

WQXR, classical music. I'm in love with Midge Woolsey's voice.

Do you have a favorite movie?

"Deliverance." I never got over that movie.

Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Meryl Streep I love. She's good in everything. Al Pacino.

What is a TV show that you watch regularly?

I don't watch a lot of TV.

Who do you think was the best president of the United States?

I liked Reagan and I liked Truman.

If you could tell the president of the United States one thing now, what would it be?

I'm praying for him to get us out of this economic downturn. I believe in prayer.

What is your greatest guilty pleasure?

I don't think I have any.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

A lot of people are so disrespectful of others.

Do you have any regrets in life?

No regrets.

What achievements in your life are you most proud of?

I thought I was very good to the kids and I'm getting the same support from them, because I need it. I talk to my kids every day. They're very supportive, for which I'm very thankful.

If you had a magic wand what would you wish for?

Peace on earth, for all of us.

What if anything are you deeply concerned about?

I'm concerned about the wars that could destroy our civilizations.

Best piece of advice for the younger generation?

Be honest with people -- try to help people.

What brings you your greatest joy?

When I read about people I know who are being successful. I feel a lot of joy for them.

What are you looking forward to?

At 84 years of age?

Continued good health.