A Tribute to John B. Margenot Jr from former Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei
It is with great sadness that I reflect on the passing of John B. Margenot Jr., a former First Selectman of Greenwich, a dedicated public servant, and a mentor whose leadership left a lasting impression on me and on the Town he loved so dearly.
I first met John in 1985, when I was a student at Greenwich High School and volunteered on his first campaign for First Selectman. I spent time working the phone banks at the Capparelle Building in Cos Cob, an experience that introduced me to local politics and the importance of civic engagement. Two years later, when I ran for the Representative Town Meeting, John became a mentor, helping me understand the workings of Greenwich government and the responsibilities that come with public service.
John possessed a remarkable ability to build consensus and work collaboratively with people from all facets of our community. He understood that effective leadership requires listening, finding common ground, and bringing people together in pursuit of the greater good. His approach to leadership was one I admired and sought to emulate throughout my own tenure as First Selectman.
Over the years, I was proud to have opportunities to recognize John’s continued commitment to Greenwich. I nominated him to serve on the Town Board of Ethics and, most notably, had the privilege of naming the atrium at the Greenwich Public Safety Complex in his honor. That recognition was especially meaningful because it reflected John’s deep local roots, his abiding love for Greenwich, and his personal connection to the area surrounding the complex, where he grew up.
The location also carried a special historical significance. As a young boy during World War II, John served as an airplane spotter, climbing into the cupola of the Old Town Hall to watch for aircraft. It was a remarkable reflection of his early sense of civic duty and service to his country. Naming the atrium in his honor was a fitting tribute to a man whose life was so closely intertwined with the history, character, and well-being of Greenwich.
As a successor to John in the office of First Selectman, and as someone who benefited personally from his mentorship, I will always be grateful for his example, his guidance, and his contributions to our community. His legacy extends beyond the years he served in public office. It lives on in the people he mentored, the relationships he built, and the lasting impact of his service to Greenwich.
My heartfelt condolences go to his beloved wife, Dolly, their five children, his grandchildren, and their extended family. May they find comfort in the knowledge that John’s life of service and devotion to his family and community will be remembered with great respect and affection.
May John enjoy eternal peace after a life so well lived.