American Ambulance Founder Dies

[Medic One]

By MICHAEL GANNON

Norwich Bulletin

Posted Nov 05, 2009 @ 11:20 PM

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Norwich, Conn. .Ron Alianos white 1938 Packard ambulance carried his casket in a procession through Norwich Thursday morning en route to his funeral at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

Hunderds of people gathered at the cathedral to say good-bye to Aliano, a businessman and community leader who died Saturday at age 65. His mourners included friends, first selectmen, mayors and former employees.

Aliano founded American Ambulance in 1972 and grew the company into The American Group, which now includes the Marina at American Wharf, an automobile servicing business, a medical training firm and an ambulance billing service.

Ambulances from across the state, including Campion in Cheshire and Hunters in Meriden, participated in the procession from the Church and Allen Funeral Home on Sachem Street to the cathedral.

Led by a police escort, the procession brought Aliano past the American Group building just off West Main Street, and down past Norwich Harbor, where he built the marina and which many have credited him with saving.

Mourners began arriving at the cathedral more than an hour in advance of the 10 a.m. services. The Packard ambulance, adorned with the American logo, arrived at St. Patricks to the skirl of bagpipes. His wooden casket was carried by American Ambulance employees past an honor guard of Norwich firefighters.

Outside the cathedral after the funeral, many people were too overcome to talk about their friend. Others echoed the stories that have made the rounds in the days since Alianos death, about Norwich being Alianos adopted home, and how he became not only one of the citys most successful and respected businessman, but also one of its most tireless advocates.

His myriad community activities included being a charter member of the Norwich Harbor Commission and a member of the board of directors of the Norwich Community Development Corporation.

His involvement with Norwichs annual Fourth of July fireworks came to the fore the past two years when major sponsors pulled out, and each time Aliano led or co-directed successful efforts to raise the funds to ensure the event happened.

He also was part of the group that raised money to buy back and restore the 1860 Lincoln Banner that had been missing from Norwich for more than a century when it turned up at a New York City auction house in 1997.

The banner now is on permanent public display in City Hall.

Rhonda Davis said her grandsons are long-time Aliano employees. She got to know Aliano through her Norwich real estate business. Dick Friedrich, of Montville, a former bank vice president in the city, knew him for more than 30 years.

Im here out of respect for what he did for the city, Davis said.

Im here out of respect for Ron, Friedrich said.

He was depicted as a stern and demanding taskmaster on the job, but one who was generous and caring, and always ready with a funny line or story.

People are here because of who he was, said Brian Filiatreault, of Baltic, who worked for American Ambulance. Ive known him since 1980, and I worked for him for 25 years. He was a good friend and a good boss.

In the homily, they said he took care of his own, Filiatreault said, unable to conceal his grief. He did.

Frank and Carol Dobek, now of Cape Cod, have been friends of Alianos since they lived in Bristol.

Ron was the best man at our wedding, Frank Dobek said.

And hes our daughters godfather, which tells you a lot, Carol Dobek said.

Edited November 6, 2009 by Medic One

[Chief1C]

I think that's the ambo from the film Seabiscuit.

[Dustdevil]

Adios to one of the pioneers of our industry.

[n7lxi]

I worked for Ron as an EMT at AASI in the late 80's.

Amazing sparkling clean ambulances, tremendously ugly uniforms and many great friends I still have today.

Sad too see Ron is gone.