Mose Saccary, East Avenue-raised son of a Nova Scotian coal miner, graduated from New Canaan High School in 1978 after coming up through Center School and Saxe.
He worked several jobs out of school, including for the architect Dinyar Wadia, at Grand Union and at Walter Stewart’s (“We actually lived on Seminary Street by then, so I could jump the wall,” Saccary recalled.)
Mose Saccary in August 2014. Credit: Michael Dinan
“Before that, I worked for Joe’s Pizza when I was about 10,” he told NewCanaanite.com.
On graduating NCHS, he learned that two buddies—Joey Lucas, a ‘78 classmate, and Walt Jaykus, one year below—had taken jobs with the town’s Department of Public Works.
“I got interested in it and came on board and never looked back,” Saccary said.
That was April 1980, and he started as a laborer.
Now head of the DPW’s highway department, Saccary is set to retire Friday after 44 years with the town.
A leader in a largely under-appreciated corner of New Canaan’s municipal workforce, Saccary rose from laborer—originally hired by Lou Moreno, director of Public Works prior to becoming first selectman—to overseeing New Canaan’s 125 miles of roads, cleaning up in the wake of snowstorms and and paying special attention to aesthetics and detail, such as when he installed a wildflower field at Route 123 and Parade Hill Road, inspiring others.
“I’m feeling a little nervous, a little happy, a little proud—a little all of it,” Saccary, a Ridgefield resident, said of his impending retirement.
The community will miss him.
Friendly, knowledgeable and diligent, Saccary has made an indelible mark on the town.
Public Works Director Tiger Mann, asked about filling Saccary’s shoes post-retirement, said, “I don’t even know if they’re fill-able.”
“First of all he’s born and raised in New Canaan, that’s one, so he has a complete history of the town,” Mann said. “Two, he’s been an excellent employee, he’s a fantastic leader and when storms are coming in or there’s going to be trouble, he’s definitely someone you want by your side. I’ll tell you this: When I first took over the job as director, I went through and looked at everybody’s ages, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, Mose is five years older than me, so I’m going to have to replace him before I leave.’ His crew is fantastic, but there’s only one Mose.”
During a final Board of Selectmen meeting in August, First Selectman Dionna Carlson thanked Saccary for his contributions to New Canaan.
“He will retire September 6th, so I just want to—from the town and from me personally—thank you for everything you’ve done and all you’ve taught me in the last eight months,” Carlson said.
Selectman Steve Karl called Saccary “one of New Canaan’s own.”
“You’ve been around a long time,” Karl said. “You know this town better than everybody. Every road, every sidewalk—you’ve been a part of putting it together.”
Selectman Amy Murphy Carroll noted that the town has been “very fortunate to have you.”
“The place looks great and we know it doesn’t just happen,” Murphy Carroll said. (Those in attendance at the meeting then gave Saccary a standing ovation, at the end of which he said, “I should go see the pension guy,” drawing laughter from the room.)
During the same Aug. 20 meeting, the selectmen voted unanimously to approve the promotion of James Peck to interim highway superintendent, succeeding Saccary in the job. Saccary noted that Peck’s grandfather, Ernie Peck, had been highway superintendent himself prior to joining the Board of Selectmen.
Asked about his major accomplishments as highway chief, Saccary said, “It wasn’t me, but together as a group, we’ve really turned the highway department to where we have it going forward right now. I think we’re a little bit ahead of the curve.”
He describes the department’s work as “a complete team effort.”
“These guys are amazing,” he said. “Any time the wind blows, any time it rains, anything there’s a need for, they’re here. And they should be recognized for that.”
Asked for his message to the community, Saccary said, “The first thing I would say is: Thank you. It’s the reason why it’s been such a good run: I’ve had great people around me, always. And 90% of the residents are also helpful, understanding.”
Mose was one of the most approachable guys in Town service, always with a smile, a can-do attitude and a funny story along the way. Whether it was stocking a fishpond, planting streetscape tree’s or repairing an old roadside stonewall, Mose found a way to get it done. What always shone through was his deep appreciation for our Town’s charm and history. Bravo Mose!!!
Dear Mose,
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Retirement is such an exciting new chapter, and I couldn’t be happier for you . You’ve worked so hard and made such a difference along the way ( YOU WILL BE MISSED) ,and now it’s time to sit back , relax and enjoy all the things you’ve always wanted to do..
Jenny Esposito
Mose will be sorely missed at the highway department and beyond. I had the great privilege of working with him during Irene, Sandy, and a few lesser storms and the cooperation and comodery within his department was a blessing. I have faith that whoever takes his place will continue in his style.
Good luck Mose…friend of Andy O’Neil…
I have a little Mose story from a few years ago: my mom and I were walking my dogs down our street when one of the orange trucks came by and slowed down. Mose was driving. I was on crutches and carrying a full poop bag and he said, “do you want to throw that in the back?” I replied, “no thanks, that’s OK,” a little embarrassed thinking about someone else having to dispose of my dogs’ poop. But he gently insisted and so I tossed it into the bed of the truck. I’m sure he doesn’t remember that but I’ll never forget it. It was such a kind and caring gesture. I think that speaks volumes about him. He certainly cared deeply about our town and all the guys who worked for/with him and will be sorely missed. Congratulations on your retirement Mose and thanks for all you’ve done for our town!!
Congratulations, Mose! I know you’ve given your all to this town, and you deserve a long and happy retirement. This town will miss you being on the job and always on the ball.
Best wishes for a wonderful retirement, Mose! We need to mention the Fishing Derby as well, Terrific job, and thank you!
There is nobody better! He was instrumental in helping us at the DAR with getting the American flags up in the downtown area every year! I will miss him! THE BEST!
Congratulations Mose and thank you for everything you have done for the Town. You will be missed!
Good luck Mose!
You are certainly going to be missed. It was a pleasure working with you for so many years, as you always stepped up to help the State DOT during a crisis. My supervisor Danny DeGennaro thought you we so freaking cool and so do I! My dad loved you and thanks for taking care of my brother Danny too!
Love, Karen Hussey
Dear Mose!
Here your old art teacher at NCHS! Peg Risom 😂 so wonderful having you in class, smiling, waving out of your truck over the years. All best wishes to this new chapter in your life, safe travels, stay well & have FUN!
Peg
Congratulations Mose!!!
Changing gears can be a bit of a challenge. You’ll soon find new purpose and values.
Job well done. Thank you sincerely! < danny weed
Oh man Mose! Say it ain’t so!
I will miss you, the town will miss you (Tiger will miss you!).
Thank you for all your years of service.
On my Mt. Rushmore of New Canaanites I would slide you right in there between Steve Benko and Joe Toppin.
See ya on down the road.
Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy and have fun!
Char Petrucci
The son of a coal miner and a block of granite when it comes to devotion, decency and integrity. Well done, Mose.
Congrats Mose!
You were a pleasure for our New Canaan Beautification group to work with. Whether it was putting up holiday wreaths, or hanging baskets, working at the Mead Park Gold Star Walk and bridge, or planting 2,000 daffodils across from Saxe at the showcase area! You are the best. And I know your crew, Jimmy and Lou will carry on the work with Mose pride.
Thank you, Mose, for everything. I especially loved seeing all the wild flowers at the intersection of Parade Hill Rd. & Rte. 123 and hope the crew will continue that tradition. Happy retirement to you – well deserved!
It is often said that being “taken for granted” is the best compliment of all. New Canaan has been fortunate to be able to count on you for more than four decades, Mose! Thank you for your many contributions. Good luck and God speed in your retirement!
Thank you, Mose for all your time and efforts in making NC the beautiful and safe place we all call home. Your meadow at 123, your work with NCGC, and all your help and efforts for NC Land Trust are a lasting gift and testament to your service and dedication. Thank you.