Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following statement regarding the passing of former First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff:
It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Gordon Joseloff, former Westport First Selectman and my immediate predecessor. Gordon’s commitment and dedication to Westport, his hometown, was exemplified in so many ways. His first job as a teenage reporter was for the Westport Town Crier, and he found WWPT, the Staples High School radio station. Later, he served as an RTM member and its moderator for 10 years. From 2005 to 2013, he served as First Selectman, where he exemplified qualities of leadership, transparency, non-partisanship and accountability within his public service.
During his tenure as First Selectman, he faced a variety of crises that included the Great Recession of 2008 – 09, and a series of major disruptive storms including Hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy, where he led the community’s efforts to recover and to emerge even stronger. His creation of WestportNow established the national standard for transparent, internet-based community journalism nearly 20 years ago, and it remains a “go to” source of fact-based information in Westport.
On a personal note, he worked directly with me to assure a smooth transition of responsibility when I was elected to the office of First Selectman following his announced retirement. Throughout my term in office, I regularly sought his perspective and advice on a number of key issues. I always found his perspective invaluable.
At my request, Governor Ned Lamont has given his permission for Westport to lower its flags to half-staff for the remainder of the week in honor of Gordon Joseloff.
On behalf of all Westporters, I want to express the Town’s sincere condolences to his daughter, Anne-Liisa, and his son, Ben, and to his grandchildren who I know he adored. We will all miss Gordon, and we thank him for his friendship and his service to Westport.