Former Enfield Town Councilman Passes Away

ENFIELD, CT — N. Scott Giddings, who represented District 2 on the Enfield Town Council and was co-founder of the successful Book Buddies program in town, passed away Wednesday morning. He was 62.

Giddings served on the council from 1999 to 2001, after nearly pulling off a major upset in 1995 when, as an unaffiliated candidate, he was endorsed by the Republican party for the District 2 seat and lost to longtime Democratic incumbent and former mayor Adam Pierz by just 10 votes in the heavily Democratic district.

Giddings and his wife, Deborah, designed and implemented the first Book Buddies program in two Enfield elementary schools. Enfield firefighters got involved and were able to expand the program to provide two new books a year to each kindergarten student at six of Enfield’s elementary schools.

He also formerly served as chairman of the Enfield Beautification Committee.

"He was a kind soul and mentor," said Colleen Reidy, who succeeded Giddings at the helm of the beautification committee. "He always had a smile and a great story to tell. Scott and his friendship will be greatly missed."

Upon learning of Giddings' passing, Enfield mayor Scott Kaupin said, "I am saddened to learn of the passing of Scott Giddings. I served with Scott on the Town Council after his appointment as the District 2 Town Councilor to fill a mid-term vacancy in the late 1990s. Scott loved both Enfield and the Thompsonville section of town that he called home. He understood the importance of the two major resources that his home stood between, the Connecticut River and the railroad. Working alongside Mayor Mary Lou Strom and his Council colleagues, he believed in and worked hard for the revitalization efforts of the village, while always advocating for open, honest, and productive dialogue in local government. Thank you Scott Giddings for your years of service and very wise counsel. May you rest in peace."

Funeral arrangements are not yet completed.

File photo