The aerial photo of the Azores on the wall, his certification on the board
In 1993, Bert applied for and was given the position of Director of Human Resources for a brand new spin-off agency called the Division of Medical Assistance—the agency that would become MassHealth. With Gloria Albano by his side, Bert built the department into one of the finest HR departments in the state.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
Bert at the office with Danny, Anthony, and Laura
His commitment to his staff and to the people they served was unparalleled. Customer questions and problems had to be resolved that day if possible. He insisted that employees always be well informed of their benefits, rights, and compensation. Every step increase, every adjustment, had to be accompanied by detailed correspondence allowing the employee to respond.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
The Certification
He sought after and received his Certification in Human Resources—passing the difficult exam with flying colors. This certification is on the same level as what a CPA is to an accountant; at the time, there were only 84 certified HR professionals in the entire state of Massachusetts. He proudly hung his certification on the wall behind his desk, next to an aerial photo of the Azorean island of his birth.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
In 2004, Bert was posthumously awarded the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Public Service Award by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — given to individuals who have excelled in the development of human resources. Only three people in the state received it that year.
The ceremony was hosted by Lieutenant Governor Healey.
Source: Commonwealth of Massachusetts award letter, October 7, 2004; family photographs
Danny accepting the award at the State House
Family and colleagues at the ceremony
Bert insisted on and encouraged staff development. He created programs that provided employees not just with general job training, but with diversity training, Excel training, Access training, management training. In spite of the tremendous pressures and deadlines that his job imposed on him, his door was always open. You could sit down with him and discuss work or personal problems whenever they arose. He was wise beyond his years. Your conversations with him were respected and privileged.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
It was not unusual to work 60 and 70 hours a week in the HR department. Some nights, colleagues would pack up to leave around eight o'clock and pass by Bert's office where he would be glued to his computer screen, preparing information for a meeting the next day.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
The Three Amigos
His closest friends at work were John Reilly and Bob Falconero—the "Three Amigos." They walked together along the Charles River during lunch breaks, talking about work, family, life.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004; family accounts
Small sailboats glided in the wind. Joggers moved like gazelles along the paved pathway. Lovers sat on the grass near the water. Bert often said that he loved this place, and that one day when his children were on their own, he wished to move back here and enjoy walks along this mesmerizing river.
Source: Bob Falconero biography, 2004
"But that was the kind of guy he was."