John B. Margenot, Jr.
June 16, 1928 - October 12, 2026

John B. Margenot Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and local civic leader, died peacefully this week at the age of 98.
Born in Greenwich in 1928, John was the youngest child of enterprising Italian immigrants. He was known as a calm, intelligent, compassionate and honest man with a sharp wit. As a young child, John was raised in the heart of Greenwich in an immigrant community on Steamboat Road. The modest family house that he lived in with his parents and 3 siblings was across from a gritty coal yard, where the upscale Delamar Hotel now sits. From this community along the waterfront, John observed his parents and neighbors strive to improve their lives and achieve the American Dream. John was a proud American and grew up during the global conflict of WWII. His early years were shaped by the war, when, as a child, he was eager to assist his country in defeating tyranny. He volunteered to be a spotter at the old Town Hall, keeping an eye out for enemy war planes. This act of being a part of the war effort was perhaps John's first demonstration of volunteerism and patriotism, which would follow him throughout his life and define his legacy.
John was a member of the Greenwich High School class of 1946, where he served as class president. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and was sent to Okinawa, serving with the army to rebuild Japan for a two year period. The war had a lasting impact on him and inspired lifelong passions for both the intricacies of WWII as well as a life centered on public service.

He later attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also served as class president, as a beneficiary of the GI Bill. He graduated from RPI with a degree in civil engineering in 1954. His formal training as a civil engineer at RPI prepared him for designing and redesigning structures, both physical and political.

In 1955, he married the love of his life, Dolores "Dolly" D'Elia, also a Greenwich native. The two possessed the shared experience of being children of immigrants who watched their families forge lives in the Greenwich community and build prominent businesses contributing to their beloved hometown of Greenwich. John worked in his family's iron fabrication business, Connecticut Iron Works, alongside his brothers, Albert and Carl. Together, they built the business and expanded into real estate development along Steamboat Road.
While working at the family business, he also spent several decades in many volunteer positions. Leading up to his tenure as First Selectman he was an active member of the PTA, a Boy Scout leader, served on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Representative Town Meeting, the Board of Ethics, served as a state appointed arbitrator and countless other civic related organizations.John retired from the family business in 1985, after being elected to the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. He served as a Selectman for two terms from 1981-1985, and was then elected to 5 terms as First Selectman, beginning in 1985. John was the first Italian American First Selectman in Greenwich and held the record of 5 terms in office for some years. John believed in consensus building, in compromise, in picking apart the good pieces of solutions to put together a winning plan for lasting resolution. The John Margenot Atrium in the Greenwich Public Safety Complex was dedicated in his name, in 2017, to recognize the contributions of his local leadership in the community as a "son of Greenwich". John lived a lifetime of public service, over 65 years, earning him a lasting legacy.

John was a chronic volunteer, always busy raising money for little league, flipping burgers at the annual block party and gathering petition signatures to build sidewalks. Whatever was required, he was always available and happy to roll up his sleeves and contribute. He was a founding and lifelong member of St. Agnes Church in Greenwich. His devout faith guided him throughout his life and he was grounded by moral clarity and respect for others.

John, a proud "townie", delighted in many local activities that Greenwich locals hold dear: riding the Island Beach boat; taking in the fireworks at Bruce Park; marching down Greenwich Avenue as part of annual holiday festivities; having dinner at his family's restaurant, Manero's; ice skating on the Mianus River with his kids; and cheering on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they grew into adults.

Small in stature, he was a giant of a man and he will be sorely missed by all who crossed paths with him.
John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dolly; his children, John (Maricarmen) Richard (Joan) Mark, Anne (Tom Gale), Hilary (Eric Griffin); his grandchildren, Adam (Sophie), Amanda, Andrew (Mandy), Isabelle, Joel, Justine (fiancé, Brian), Lucas, Max (Avery), Natalie and Trevor (Kiera); his great-grandchildren, Imogen (Max), Killian and Luca (Andrew). He was predeceased by his sister, Vera; and his brothers, Albert and Carl.

Calling hours will be at Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home, located at 134 Hamilton Avenue, in Greenwich, on Thursday, 10/22, from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, 10/23, at 10am at St. Mary's Church, at 178 Greenwich Avenue, in Greenwich, followed by a burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, on North Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Pathways, located at 175 Milbank Avenue, in Greenwich.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greenwich Time from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2026.

Michael D. Grant, Jr.

1938 - 2025

It is with deep gratitude and sadness that we share the passing of our beloved board member, Michael D. “Mike” Grant, Jr.

Mike was a devoted leader, past president, and true friend to Pathways. His generosity, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to supporting adults living with mental health challenges left an indelible mark on our community.

We are honored to have had his guidance and compassion, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

Obituary
Michael Donald Grant Jr., of Greenwich, CT, died peacefully on September 19, 2025 at age 87, following a brief but courageous bout with an aggressive type of Lymphoma.

Michael ("Mike"), the eldest son of M. Donald and Alice Grant, was born in New York City on February 1, 1938 and raised in Cedarhurst, NY. He attended Lawrence Country Day School and graduated from Deerfield Academy, where he was a good student and played varsity soccer, tennis, and hockey. Mike earned a BA in art history from Williams College, where he was a member of St. Anthony's Hall (Delta Psi) and the varsity hockey team. He served in the US Navy for 3 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG.

He married Elizabeth ("Betsy") Lawall (Grant) in New York in 1964. In 1975 they moved their family to Greenwich, where they remained together for the rest of his life. Mike engaged in a long and successful career in financial services, beginning at Fahnestock & Co. in 1962 and rising to become Partner. Mike joined Gabelli Asset Management in 1995, where he dutifully served his clients for over 30 years.

Mike enjoyed playing tennis, squash, and golf, and played them all well – winning championships at various area clubs. An avid sports fan, he supported his New York teams – particularly his beloved Mets. He was also an engrossing raconteur, a skill he inherited from his father.

His legacy as a person of character and kindness is evidenced by his commitment to continuous learning and helping others. He was a board member and past president of Pathways, a mental health advocacy organization in Greenwich. A keen listener and articulate writer, he impacted many with his eloquent letters and warm conversations. Mike also quietly maintained his sobriety for the final 31 years of his life, and sponsored others on their recovery journey.

Michael derived his greatest joy from being a proud family man and a worthy father. He reveled in knowing that his family remained close – and lived close by – in his final years. Fortunately, his legacy is preserved through his 2024 memoirs, entitled "Veni, Vidi, Gratus Sum." In the book, he shares his life story and perspectives – including espousing his late cousin Jimmy's "4 life rules" that he fervently adopted: 1.) Show up. 2.) Try hard 3.) Build up and encourage others. 4.) Be grateful. Words for us all to live by.

He is predeceased by his parents Alice and Don, sister Sheila, cousin Jimmy, niece Alice, and his son Michael III. He is survived by Betsy - his wife of over 60 years, sons Andrew (Emily) and Luke (Suzanne), and daughter Bettina McCarthy (Tyler). He is also survived by his brother Tim and sister Patsy (and their families), as well as 5 grandchildren – who called him "Papa."

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17th at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Riverside, CT.

In lieu of flowers, at the request of his family, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to Pathways to continue the work he so passionately supported.

Your generosity will be shared with Mike’s family and will help continue the work that meant so much to him at Pathways.