It must be a good place to work, because for more than 58 years now, Pat Malafronte has been stepping through the doors of John Andrade Insurance on Hope Street with a smile on her face. She was just 19 years old and a year out of high school as a member of the Colt Memorial Class of 1962 when she started at John Andrade on Aug. 19, 1963, after a brief stint working in tax collections at Town Hall.

“I started as a bookkeeper, but I didn’t feel comfortable doing that, so I transferred to policy writing,” she said. “Everything was done by hand back then — no computers.” She has fond memories of working with office manager Gloria Zeitler; Eleanor Quintal, who served as John Andrade Sr.’s personal secretary; salesman Manuel Bento; the late John Andrade Sr.; and John Paul Andrade.

Pat worked in the Bristol office for a few years — the same location it has always been — then temporarily transferred to Warren for a month, where she enjoyed working with office manager Ada Pereira and salesman John Healy. “Then I came back here and never left,” she said.

The only time she’s taken off was a month, many years ago, when she had a bout of bronchitis.

Some years ago, she’s not sure when, she transferred to reception — her favorite role to date. She greets everyone who walks through the door with that signature smile, and handles policy renewals on top of her receptionist and administrative duties. Even during the height of COVID, when the rest of the first-floor staff was working from home, Pat manned the front desk.

She has no plans to retire.

“I love what I do, and I work with fabulous people,” she said. “I work three days a week. It’s nice, and I get to see everyone.” In her free time, Pat loves to go out with friends, and out to breakfast — including a standing Sunday breakfast date with five family members, which is a highlight of her week.

“Pat started here the year after my birth,” said Mark Matrone, the third generation of management who has enjoyed having Pat on his team. “She never gets rattled, knows the beat in town, and her work ethic sets the standard for our younger staff members. How many people do you know that can roll with the changes through six decades and still enjoy her place of employment?

“I don't know many, and I am glad to know at least one! Thank you, Pat, for all you do.”