Community Gathers to Celebrate Dan O'Brien, Ridgefield Citizen of the Year

The Rotary Club of Ridgefield recently hosted a heartfelt celebration honoring Dan O’Brien, a distinguished Ridgefield resident, for his unwavering dedication to the community.

Community members packed Silver Spring Country Club on Wednesday to express their gratitude for Dan’s exceptional service and to celebrate his contributions to Ridgefield. It was wonderful to see representatives from so many nonprofits and businesses that Dan has touched over the years! Dan received a Proclamation from the Town of Ridgefield recognizing his many years of volunteerism and leadership.

Dan O’Brien exemplifies the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” His commitment to serving the people of Ridgefield makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Born in Manhattan, Dan completed his early education before attending Fordham University, where he met his wife, Annette. They both graduated with a B.S. in June 1968. After living in Princeton, NJ, for 20 years, they moved to Ridgefield in 1994. Two of their four daughters graduated from Ridgefield High School.

Dan’s extensive community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Ridgefield Historic District Commission, Past President and current Board Member of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member of RVNAhealth, where he contributes to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees. He is also the longtime Treasurer and current Board President of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund, and has served on the Advisory Board of The Ridgefield Playhouse, the Board of The Lounsbury House, and the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center Endowment Fund. Professionally, Dan is a General Partner with J. H. Whitney & Co., an investment firm in New Canaan.

Reflecting on his life, Dan humbly stated, “I’ve been very lucky in life.” However, the Rotary Club and the residents of Ridgefield believe they are the fortunate ones to have such a dedicated and selfless individual in their community.

Congratulations, Dan, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your extraordinary service to Ridgefield. For more information about the Rotary Club’s events and programs, visit https://ridgefieldrotary.org/citizen-of-the-year/.

** Image by Bill Wyman