April 2, 2007

Tom Wren, 85, a Conference staff person from 1940 to 1984, died March 12. From the early days of the Conference of Mayors when he joined a small office in 1940, Wren moved up from several positions to become the Manager of Support Services for the Conference in 1981.

His resignation became effective on February 1, 1985.

Wren was predeased by his wife Lucy, who died in 2001.

Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran, at the funeral service for Wren, eulogized Wren’s long years of service to the Conference and to the mayors of the United States.

“He was the consummate gentleman, and the heart and soul of the Conference, recognized for his unstinting and steadfast loyalty to the Conference’s goals and policy. In the early days of his service, there were no fax machines or e-mail. Tom Wren was the messenger for our then President New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, and he was the point person getting urgent messages for the Conference to the White House and to key Congressional leaders. He leaves behind many fond memories for those of us who benefited directly, as I have, from his cheerfulness and positive outlook,” Cochran said.

He also was an antique car aficionado, and would dress in clothes of the period for the year of the car at special celebrations.