The construction of the bridge on Speen Street south of Route 135 has yet to be complete, but it may already have a name thanks to legislation filed by several Massachusetts state representatives.

Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick), Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley), Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) and Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) have announced that they have filed for the bridge to be named the Silvano Anthony Melchiorri Bridge after Natick resident, Army veteran, firefighter, Town Meeting member, developer and musician known as "Sil," who died in January 2010, according to a press release.

“Sil Melchiorri was dedicated to the town of Natick and his contributions to the town can still be felt, “said Linsky. “Watching Sil’s band in the 4^th of July parade was always a highlight for my family. I am pleased to be able to pay tribute to Sil by filing legislation that would name the Speen Street Bridge in his honor.”

“I am honored to support this legislation naming the Speen Street bridge after Silvano Anthony Melchiorri in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the town of Natick as a Captain in the Fire Department, Town Meeting Member, and many other community organizations,” said Peisch. 

The bridge is owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, according to the release, and is undergoing construction, which is set to end at the end of May. Melchiorri, who moved to town in 1923, was involved in the development of the shopping area near the bridge.

“I am pleased to sign on to the Melchiorri Bridge Bill,” said Ross. “ This is a fitting tribute for Mr. Melchiorri, who devoted his whole life to making Natick and the community as a whole a better place to live and raise a family.  May this bridge keep his memory alive and serve as a reminder of the good one person can do.”

Melchiorri was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of the Natick Fire Department for 33 years, serving part of that time as captain. He was a part of the Natick Elks, Natick VFW, Sons of Italy and the Musicians Union of America. He was widely known for organizing bands that performed in parades and around the MetroWest area.

“I am honored to co-sponsor legislation dedicating a bridge in Natick to Silvano Anthony Melchiorri,” said Spilka. “As a Natick resident for almost his entire life, Mr. Melchiorri’s many contributions as veteran, developer, musician and fire fighter have helped make Natick the beautiful town it is today.  This dedication is a fitting way for Natick to honor his great service to his community and the town.”