Mike DeFeo, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast general manager, has been announced as Southington UNICO’s 2021 Gold Medal of Honor recipient. The recognition is UNICO’s highest honor. Since 1945, the Gold Medal of Honor has been awarded to distinguished citizens in the Southington community. A dinner ceremony in recognition of DeFeo is planned for Wednesday, May 18 at the Aqua Turf Club.

“Southington is a special place and the Gold Medal Award is a major honor. It means so much to my family and I,” DeFeo said. UNICO President Vincent DeSanti said DeFeo embodies the organization’s model of “service above self.” “Mike has been inspiring people to take action for decades. He leads by example and continues to make a positive impact for Southington’s youth and a variety of worthy causes. His dedication and service is remarkable,” said DeSanti.