A businessman was honored in Bridgeport Sunday for his decades of community service.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal recognized Jason Gold for, "his tireless efforts to help people with disabilities live happy, productive, independent lives."

Blumenthal praised the prominent real estate figure, "for always putting people before profit."

Gold said he's proud to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Joseph Gold, a Stamford icon who loved helping people in need.

"He really taught our family about the importance of giving back to the community, being involved, most importantly helping people that are at your door -- the people that are local, the people you come in contact with. He was a great man," Jason Gold said.

"What Jason has done is in the best tradition of community service, and his family, which has given so much back, has dedicated himself to the community," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal also called Gold, "a true Connecticut hero: Someone who never misses an opportunity to positively impact his state."