Joe Wehr, Ellington Board Of Finance Co-Vice Chair, Dies At 74

ELLINGTON, CT — Ellington board of finance member Joseph Wehr died earlier this month, the town has announced.

Wehr died peacefully on March 20, the town said in a news release. According to his obituary published on Legacy.com, he was 74 years old when he passed away at Hartford Hospital.

Officials described him as a "dedicated member" of the board of finance who was elected to the committee in 2019 and became its co-vice chairman in August 2021.

He also acted as the board's liaison to the town's ad hoc emergency services committee, and town officials said he "was never afraid to speak his mind if he felt that there were any changes or improvements that could be made to make Ellington a better place."

"Joe was a steadfast advocate for the Ellington taxpayers, always looking for creative ways to cut costs," First Selectman Lori Spielman said. "He went above and beyond in his role as an elected official in town."

In addition to his stint as a board of finance member, the town said Wehr frequently sat in on meetings of other town boards, commissions and committees to stay aware of the town's operations.

He was a "committed and diligent civil servant" who will be greatly missed, the town said.