Greenwich Mourns Death Of Former First Selectman

GREENWICH, CT — Former Greenwich First Selectman John B. Margenot Jr. died on Monday at the age of 98, according to the town.

First Selectman Fred Camillo on Tuesday released a statement on Margenot's death, calling him "an ardent guardian" of Greenwich and noting he "set a new standard for what a first selectman can be in the Town of Greenwich."

After serving as a selectman for four years, Margenot became the town's chief elected official and led the town for what was then a record five terms from 1985 to 1995.

Margenot grew up in Greenwich and attended Mason Street School, Havemeyer School and Greenwich High School, where he was a class president.

Having grown up during World War II, Margenot volunteered as an enemy plane spotter at the top of the old Greenwich Town Hall.

Margenot later joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. Following his service, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic School. An engineer by trade, Margenot then joined his family's real estate business.

Margenot's service to the town began in the late 1950s when he served on the Representative Town Meeting, a role he maintained for 10 years. He later joined the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the budget committee from 1979 to 1981.

After serving as a selectman and first selectman, Margenot retired and volunteered throughout town, notably with Greenwich Hospital, The Old Timers' Athletic Association and Hill House, and the Greenwich Board of Ethics.

"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," Camillo wrote.

In September 2018, the town dedicated the lobby of the Public Safety Complex to Margenot, renaming it the "Margenot Atrium."

The atrium is often used by the town as a cooling and warming center during harsh weather, and as a place where people can seek refuge.

"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," Camillo added, recalling in 2019 when Margenot nominated him to run for his first campaign as 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 [led] Greenwich and was the face of our town for so long, and to so many," Camillo added.

"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."

It was not immediately clear when any services for Margenot would take place.