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Greenwich Selectman Dave Theis Remembered As A 'True Townie'

GREENWICH, Conn. -- A former Greenwich selectman remembered late Selectman Dave Theis as a man with an engaging sense of humor who was "a true townie."

Greenwich Selectman David Theis died unexpectedly Tuesday.

Greenwich Selectman David Theis died unexpectedly Tuesday.

Photo Credit: File
The flag was at half-staff in front of Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday following the sudden death of Selectman Dave Theis on Tuesday.

The flag was at half-staff in front of Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday following the sudden death of Selectman Dave Theis on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern
Greenwich Selectman David Theis died unexpectedly Tuesday.

Greenwich Selectman David Theis died unexpectedly Tuesday.

Photo Credit: File

Theis, a Republican, died suddenly Tuesday. He was 65 years old. He was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2009.

"It is a tremendous loss to the town," said Penny Monahan, who was on the Board of Selectmen from 2001 to 2007 as a Democrat. "He has been a friend as long as I can remember. He is a true townie."

Monahan now works two mornings a week in the first selectman's office as a clerk. She got to know Theis better than she had previously as a fellow resident and praised him for how he performed on the board with his fellow Republican First Selectman Peter Tesei and Democrat Drew Marzullo.

"The way they all cooperated together was truly so nice to watch," she said.

She said Theis was heavily involved with different organizations in town, and she remembered him as someone who always ready with a joke and as a pleasant person to be around.

"I remember his sense of humor. He could always brighten up any situation," Monahan said.

John Wayne Fox, Greenwich town attorney, joined with Monahan in saying that Theis will be missed.

Theis was someone who loyally served the town and who always put the town first, Fox said.

Theis is a third generation Greenwich resident and attended Greenwich Public Schools. After graduating from Greenwich High School he went on to receive a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of New Haven.

A former faculty member at Greenwich Country Day School, he was heavily involved with the Greenwich YMCA, United Way, Masonic Lodge of Greenwich, Connecticut chapter of NFL Alumni and the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association.

He was also a strong supporter of the Adopt A Dog organization based in Armonk, N.Y.

Theis worked as a first vice president in the private client group at Wells Fargo in the Old Greenwich office. 

Theis is survived by his partner, Kerrin Coyle, and his sisters, Ginny and Nancy.

As the town mourns and prepares for his funeral, the date and time of which has not been finalized, his fellow selectmen will have to consider his replacement in the next few weeks.

According to Section 9-222 of the Connecticut General Statutes, Theis' position on the three-person Board of Selectmen will be filled by someone named by Tesei and Marzullo within 30 days "of the date of the occurrence."

If they cannot agree on a choice, then fellow Republicans who are town officers, such as members of the Board of Estimate & Taxation, would vote on his replacement within a 30-day time frame.

That person would complete Theis' remaining term.

However, an election could be held, if a petition signed by at least 5 percent of the town's electors is submitted. That petition has to be completed within 15 days of the position filled with an appointed selectman, according to the statute.

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