Iriwn Donenfeld: giant in comic industry. Westport Historical Society photo Irwin Donenfeld, one of the longest-serving members of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) but better known outside of his hometown as a giant in the comic book industry, died Monday night at Norwalk Hospital. He was 78.
His wife, Carole, said he had been in ill-health for some time. Donenfeld was forced to retire from the RTM in 2003 after 22 years because of health problems. Only two others in the legislative body’s 55-year history had served the same period or longer.
“The town has lost a treasure,” said Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell. “He always had Westport’s interests at heart. He kept his sense of humor and on many occasions brought discussions back to the right perspective. He will be missed.”
Gordon Joseloff, Moderator of the RTM (and editor and publisher of WestportNow), said as longtime chair of the RTM’s Public Protection Committee, Donenfeld had left Westport a much safer place.