A Stratford Inventor and Community Leader
By David Wright
Town Historian
A Stratford Inventor and Community Leader
In a town dealing with the legacy of toxic waste scattered throughout our community, it’s easy to become a bit jaded in our views of the businesses that helped build, fund, and employ our community. In no way do I want it to seem I’m trying to diminish the suffering felt by many in our community whose property was contaminated with Raybestos Waste or toxic runoff from Contract Plating. However, Stratford businesses of all types have funded softball teams, little league teams, Shakespeare plays, special events and provided leadership and professionalism to our town. One such business was the R.A. Lalli Aircraft Research and Development Company, Inc.
Mr. Lalli was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in 1907. His parents, Domenico and Ester, were immigrants from Italy. At the time of his birth, his family resided with his grandparents. A very young Romeo relocated to Bridgeport, Connecticut at age 17. He began his working life as an auto-body repairman.
The R.A. Lalli Aircraft Research and Development Company, Inc. was founded by Romeo A. Lalli in 1930. During the Korean War, Mr. Lalli invented the internationally patented “Shell-Die Process” for forming magnesium and titanium. Mr. Lalli’s methods simplified aircraft construction and made more competitive bidding possible for local and state aerospace industries. In 1954 he built a manufacturing plant at 1805 Stratford Avenue. Over the years, as the business expanded, a second facility was opened a short distance away at 35 Soundview Avenue.
The R. A. Lalli Company worked with large companies such as Sikorsky, Avco Lycoming, Kaman Helicopters, Republic Aviation, and Steven DuPont glider company. The company created the outer “skins” for helicopters, and built large jigs, fixtures, and tools for holding metal during assembly.
In May of 1973, Mr. Lalli received the Small Business Administration’s Certificate of Accomplishment for his achievements in the aircraft industry. In 1969, he was feted by the Stratford Old Timers Association and was awarded the Citizen’s Community Award for his contributions to youth in the local area. His company funded softball and little league baseball teams throughout the town. He served as a Director of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce.
Perhaps as important as anything the company did to make its presence known in town was the 1969 restoration of a Corsair airplane, which stood for many years at the entrance to the Sikorsky Memorial Airport. After the Corsair was restored, a helicopter flew the Corsair to its mounting perch at the entrance to the airport.
The R. A. Lalli Company merged with Milford’s Valley Tool and Manufacturing, an aerospace company that served customers like Boeing and the Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, as late as 2022.
Mr. Lalli’s former home on Bayview Boulevard in Lordship is beautiful. The home was built in 1955, and was originally intended to be used as a bomb shelter during the Cold War. The home sits on two acres of land.
Mr. Lalli passed away at the age of 80 in 1987. He was still President of his company at the time of his passing.
