Tetro, who turns 64 on New Year's Eve, said he's planning to retire next year, "probably on March 31."

Last week, he sat down with Post-Standard reporter Suzanne M. Ellis to talk about the good times and bad, and what his hopes are for the future.

How did you end up as city clerk?

I lost my job at Miller (Brewing Co.) on Black Friday, which was Aug. 31, 1984. Not too long after that, I went to a Fulton wrestling match for the first time and Ron Woodward, who was my 6th Ward alderman, told me about the job opening. I applied with Vern (Mayor Verner Drohan) and I got the job starting in January of 1985. I was very fortunate ... It took a long time to find work for many of the people who lost their job at Miller.

You're a Fulton native, correct?

I was born and raised here, and I have lived here all my life. I graduated from Fulton High School in 1962 and (Central City Business Institute) in 1964. ... I have four children and five grandchildren, ages 1 to 9, and they are all in the area.

What was one of your most memorable moments as city clerk?

That was getting Mary Earl appointed as my deputy clerk. When I came on board, there was no deputy ... I didn't want anybody to have to go through what I went through when I took the job with no training at all. Plus, if there's no deputy, there's no one to take over if the city clerk gets sick.

What do you think you'll miss most in retirement?

The people, mostly, especially Mary (Earl). She's my right arm and I've been with her for over 20 years. I could never have been a successful department head without Mary.

What was one of the saddest times during your tenure?

One of the saddest days I've ever had was when all those people at Nestle lost their jobs. I really felt terrible about that.

And one of the happiest days?

One of the nicer moments on the job was the day Daryl Hayden became mayor. We went to school together, so I thought that was sort of neat that he was the mayor and I was the city clerk.

What are your plans for retirement, other than watching the Yankees (Tetro is a rabid New York Yankees fan)?

I want to get back into music. I played in a rock "n' roll band for many years, playing guitar and lead singer. And I want to do more coaching. I've coached kids all my life, and now my grandchildren are getting to the age where they're getting into sports, so I want to be involved with them.

Suzanne Ellis can be reached at sellis@syracuse.com, 592-7140 or 470-3233.

Through the years

Fulton City Clerk Joseph Tetro served under these mayors:

Verner Drohan (1985).

Ronald Woodward (1986-1987).

Muriel Allerton (1988-1991).

George Valette (1992-1993).

Donald Bullard (1994-1997).

Michael Stafford (1998-2003).

Daryl Hayden (2004-2007).

Ronald Woodward (2008).