From Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo
On Monday, the Town of Greenwich lost one of its longest serving and most dedicated public officials with the death of former First Selectman John B. Margenot.
John set a new standard for what a first selectman can be in the Town of Greenwich. He was an ardent guardian of the Town he loved and served what was then a record five terms as Greenwich’s chief elected officer from 1985 to 1995. In addition, he was also a member of the RTM and the BET and served nine years on the Board of Ethics, showing not only a deep commitment to public service but also to making sure that things were done the right way in Greenwich.
A mentor to many in Town government, he led an extraordinary public life serving his hometown. John’s decades long and successful public service career was more than matched by his warm smile and unmistakable laugh.
Upon returning from the Army, where he was stationed in Japan, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic School. An engineer by trade, he then joined the family business, handling the real estate end of things before beginning what would be a long and legendary public service career where he led the Town he loved through 10 successful years and always represented the best of what Greenwich can be.
The legacy of his many contributions to the Town of Greenwich is seen every time someone enters the Greenwich Police Department’s Public Safety Complex. The John Margenot Atrium in the building is a welcoming place for the public and is always used by the Town as a cooling center, a warming center and as a place people can seek help during a time of crisis.
Personally, I lost a friend who always gave sound advice. Ever the gentleman, John Margenot could always be counted on to tell you what was on his mind. But he did it with the delivery of a mentor and not a critic.
I will always be proud of the fact that in 2019, he nominated me to run for my first campaign for First Selectman. It may have been his last public speaking role, but on that July night, he still had the presence of a man who successfully lead Greenwich and was the face of our town for so long, and to so many.
I respectfully ask that all the residents of Greenwich keep John and his family in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Rest peacefully, John, and thank you for all you did for Greenwich.