North Branford's Town dog park will be named Osorio Dog Park in honor of the late Dr. Efren Osorio, a devoted local veterinarian who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in January.  Dr. Osorio was known and loved by many in this community for his caring and compassionate services provided through his practice, Veterinary Associates of North Branford.

On Feb. 2, members of the Town Council voted unanimously to name the  park in honor of Dr. Osorio. The park is located at 298 Forest Road (Augur property). It first opened in May 2017, on a parcel of about 3/4 of an acre of Town land that was fenced in and supported with funds gathered by members of North Branford Unleashed!, a grass-roots citizens' group.

The council's vote Feb. 2 includes authorizing the Town to fund and install a municipal sign, consistent with other current town signage, near the park entrance on Route 22/Forest Road. The motion to name the park and fund the sign was made by councilwoman Rose Marie Angeloni.

During the Feb. 2 meeting, which was held via Zoom, Angeloni noted that, in addition to the caring assistance he provided to so many local pets and their owners for decades, Dr. Osorio also provided his expertise to assist with the Town's K9 programs in past years. Angeloni, as well as Mayor Bob Viglione, also noted on Feb. 2 that community members have been inquiring about a fitting tribute to honor Dr. Osorio since his passing, at 63, on January 21.  As noted in his obituary, Dr. Osorio was a resident of Middletown with his wife, Katrina.

Condolences also poured in via the Veterinary Associates of North Branford Facebook page, in response to the announcement of his passing. In part, the team at the practice responded," ... suffice to say it shows how lucky we were to have him as a mentor, colleague, veterinarian, father figure, but most importantly he was our friend. All of us. We will continue his legacy caring not only for your pets but also you. You are so important to us and if this tragedy showed us anything it is truly what a giant extended family we all are."

In addition to naming the park in his honor and placing a municipal sign on Route 22, plans are also in the works to bring about a separate "legacy sign" to be installed at the park in tribute to Dr. Osorio, resident Candice Milliard confirmed with Zip06/The Sound. Milliard is currently collaborating with Angeloni to organize details for the project to bring about the legacy sign, which will include seeking community support (to be announced).

During the Feb. 2 meeting, Milliard also thanked the Town Council for honoring Dr. Osorio by naming the Town park for him.

"I'm so happy this little town of ours is going to come together and honor him this way," said Milliard.