Editorial: Thank You Jack Moffly

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As word began to filter in this past Sunday, the sunlight lingered longer than normal as if to say, “don’t go!” John Wesley Moffly, IV had died. Known to everyone as Jack, and he was indeed known to everyone, his contributions to our community are significant, and accomplished with a subtlety that only a true gentleman could master.

In 1986 Jack, and his amazing wife Donna, purchased the Greenwich Review and hence began a 30-plus year campaign to celebrate and improve our community. Along the way they would merge with the Nutmegger to eventually create Greenwich Magazine. And the rest, as they say, is history. Except for them it was not, it was the future – always looking forward with enthusiasm and passion.

Together they built a brand that celebrated the traditions of Greenwich and welcomed the evolving styles that would influence our community in a positive way. And they were not afraid to speak their minds on issues about which they were passionate. They remained relevant in an environment where some feel (we do not) that traditional print media was becoming less relevant.

The best part? Once they achieved success in Greenwich, they took their show on the road and created six other magazines in communities across Fairfield Country. Each a success story like Greenwich Magazine, they became as equally important and integral in their respective communities.

There was more to Jack Moffly than just the Moffly Media empire that he and Donna built. Look at any picture of Jack, and you will see the face of a man who loved life, laughter, family and so much more. This was a constant source of energy to him, hard to capture in words but evident in photos. So many of us knew and loved the twinkle in his eye that revealed his keen intellect and great sense of humor.

There are many nonprofits in town that benefited from his support. Indeed, you can read about them in his obituary in this paper. What strikes us about his volunteer work is how diverse it was. From GEMS to the Bruce Museum; from the Chamber of Commerce to Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, Jack’s service to each of these organizations made them better and helped provide more for others. 

No telling of Jack’s life would be complete without mentioning his love of the outdoors and, especially, his passion for ocean racing and sailing in general. A long-time member of Riverside Yacht Club, his Nonsuch, Purple Tiger, was an easily spotted presence in the harbor because of its purple hull. Jack’s love of being on the water was occasionally compromised when he found himself in the water, having fallen over board. To his credit, he took these in stride and used the stories as lessons for himself and as the source of some self-deprecating humor.

To us, Jack and Donna were and will always remain visionaries and a source of inspiration. He never failed to answer the questions of those supporting a fledgling newspaper publication with anything but enthusiasm for what the Greenwich Sentinel was trying to build. He believed if it was good for Greenwich it was good for all. He saw opportunity everywhere he looked, and his enthusiasm was both real and contagious.

As one of the owners of Greenwich Magazine, there were few events in town over the years that Jack had not happily attended. Many evenings away from home and family may explain why Moffly Media continues on as a family business with son Jonathan firmly at the helm. 

We would like to say, “thank you” Jack Moffly, for all that you have done for our community because that is what you have made it, a community. Thank you also Donna, Jonathan and Audrey, their spouses and nine children, Jack’s grandchildren. Thank you for sharing this remarkable man with us. His tenure here may not have lasted as long as we wished, but his impact will be felt for many years to come.

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