Hingham Thanks Moderator for 45 Years of Service [VIDEO]

Monday night was the start of Tom O’Donnell’s last Town Meeting as Moderator and Hingham voters honored him with a standing ovation.

O’Donnell, who has held the Town Moderator seat for 45 years, will not seek reelection at Saturday’s Town Meeting. 

“We could never thank him enough for all that he has done for Hingham,” said Chairman of the Selectmen John Riley.

At last night’s Town Meeting, the 85-year-old was pictured on the cover of the Hingham Town Report booklet and recognized by Hingham Selectmen.

“Thomas L.P. O’Donnell has over these many years, demonstrated a calming manner sprinkled with a sense of humor, and continuing focus on the many issues that would cause a lesser man to lose a temper or two,” Selectman Bruce Rabuffo said.

O’Donnell said serving as moderator has been a great privilege in his life. He said he will miss moderating town meeting but feels it is time to move on.

“I think it’s time for me to hand on the responsibilities to someone else and I’m glad to do that,” he said.

The Town will celebrate O’Donnell’s 45 years of service with a retirement party on May 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the South Shore Country Club and the community is invited to attend. 

The celebration is funded entirely by donations.  Residents are encouraged to make a donation in his honor to the Trustees of the Reservations for the benefit of World’s End. Residents who want to show appreciation for O’Donnell are asked to make out checks payable to the Town of Hingham and sent to Betty Tower| Selectman’s Office| 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043.