Former Westport First Selectman Dies At 93

WESTPORT, CT — Town officials announced this week John Kemish, a former first selectman for the town of Westport, died at the age of 93 last month.

In a statement released Wednesday, First Selectman Jim Marpe said Kemish, who served three terms as first selectman from 1967 to 1973, died on April 25.

Marpe described Kemish as a dedicated public servant who placed the issues and concerns of town residents first.

"I know that generations of Westporters have and will continue to benefit from his due diligence, calm demeanor and leadership capabilities," Marpe said in a statement. "On behalf of the town of Westport, I want to express my sincere condolences to his wife, Gloria, his sons, James and Steven, and his entire family."

Prior to serving as first selectman, Kemish served as the town's first professional controller, which is now referred to as the finance director, Marpe said. In this position, Kemish improved the town's credit rating from A to Aaa.

"As controller," Marpe said, "[Kemish] played a pivotal role in the purchase of Longshore Country Club for the town under then-First Selectman Herb Baldwin."

Kemish played a major role in the town's campaign to save Cockenoe Island from United Illuminating Company's plans to erect a nuclear power plant at that offshore site during his time as first selectman, according to Marpe.

"As most are aware," Marpe said, "under John's leadership, the agreement to sell Cockenoe Island to the town and eliminate the plans for the power plant proved successful. The town owes John a debt of gratitude, along with many others involved in that environmental fight to save the natural beauty and landscape of that island over 50 years ago."

Some other accomplishments cited by Marpe include Kemish's acquisition of the Wakeman Farm as open space, leading the town's effort to acquire the Nike Site on Bayberry Lane for the Westport-Weston Health District and Rolnick Observatory and establishing the first major town beautification program by creating the beautification committee.