WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Present and former town officials expressed grief this week at the news that longtime Council on Aging Executive Director Brian O’Grady died last week.

 

The passing of O’Grady, 69, who served the town in that role since 1999, was framed as a both a professional and deeply personal loss by two of the town managers he served under during his 27 years in Williamstown.

 

“When I came here a little over four years ago, I had spent my career in government work, primarily working in the human services realm,” current Town Manager Robert Menicocci said at Monday evening’s meeting of the Select Board. “This was my first foray into the broader municipal government. But Brian's career had always been in the human service realm.

 

“It was a bit of a comfort for me to come into a setting where I could speak to someone who was part of my team but also, we spoke the same language and got into the work for the same reason. We all are here to serve the public, but I think there's a special calling for some who work in the human service realm to support folks on their hardest days. It's a big part of how government functions and serves as part of the safety net. And Brian fully embodied that every single day.”

 

One of Menicocci’s predecessors, Peter Fohlin, left a message of condolence on O’Grady’s online obituary.

 

“I am heartbroken to read of Brian's illness and passing,” Fohlin wrote. “From 1999 until I retired in 2015, Brian was the staunchest member of the Town of Williamstown team. Strong beliefs but always a kind heart. A pillar of support and energy in the aftermath of [Tropical Storm] Irene in 2011. Always working to improve the Harper Center facility and programs for his community. Respected by everyone and loved by all. The best friend.”

 

Fohlin was joined on iBerkshires.com’s obituary by O’Grady’s colleagues at Elder Services of Berkshire County.

 

“Elder Services is saddened by Brian's passing and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends,” the agency noted. “We are grateful for his service to our community, particularly to older adults. We honor his contributions both as a member of our staff and as Director of the Williamstown Council on Aging.”

 

Menicocci told the Select Board that he and the chair of the town’s Council on Aging board would meet on Tuesday to begin talking about a search process to fill O’Grady’s “very big” shoes.

 

“It’s not something that we relish to do, but we want to do it quickly to make sure the community support for our elders is continued here in town,” Menicocci said.

 

Menicocci noted that the town work force is a small one, and the loss of any of its members hits hard. He said that the town hall staff leans on one another and talked about how he benefited from O’Grady’s wisdom on a regular basis.

 

“Each week, he would come to town hall for business, and we'd have our check-in,” Menicocci said. “And he'd tell me the comings and goings of what he was doing but also give the update of who was who in our community and who needed help and assistance. And Brian was always there to provide that assistance.”

 

In addition to a celebration of O’Grady’s life planned by his family on Dec. 3 at Williams College’s Faculty House, Menicocci said the town also will honor O’Grady in an event at the Harper Center, headquarters of the Council on Aging, tentatively planned for Tuesday, Nov. 24.