UPDATE: In a heartfelt ceremony on October 24, 2023, Jack Moynihan was honored with the prestigious Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence in Lynnfield, recognizing his decades of dedicated service to the community. The Select Board, led by Chair Phil Crawford, presented the award to Moynihan, co-owner of Moynihan Lumber, underscoring his significant contributions over the years.
This award is given annually to a Lynnfield resident who exemplifies “excellence in the area of volunteerism.” Moynihan’s nomination was championed by former Select Board Chair Chris Barrett, who praised his long-standing commitment to the town and its residents.
Barrett emphasized, “Jack’s contributions to our community span over multiple decades. He has not only achieved remarkable success in his professional life but has consistently given back to the Town of Lynnfield in countless ways.” The award is named after Daniel Townsend, a local hero who sacrificed his life during the American Revolution.
During the meeting, Crawford remarked, “We really look for people who have made decades of contributions. I think Jack Moynihan really does personify what the award is about.” Fellow Board member Dick Dalton added, “It’s been 50 years of being a model citizen for him and his wife, Hilda.”
According to Barrett, Moynihan’s journey of service began over 40 years ago when he joined the Couple’s Club, forming lasting bonds with fellow community leaders. His contributions have included chairing the Comprehensive Housing and Planning Committee, where he created essential frameworks for prospective homeowners.
Moynihan has also played pivotal roles in major projects, such as the Partridge Island project, the acquisition of the Lynnfield Center Golf Course, and housing development on Main Street. His leadership on the finance committee was crucial in navigating the town through challenging economic times, maintaining fiscal stability while ensuring essential services continued.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Moynihan helped found Lynnfield’s middle school and expand other educational institutions. He has also been a driving force behind the development of MarketStreet and actively supports local student-athletes through the North Shore Student-Athlete Award, which recognizes promising young athletes monthly.
In his acceptance speech, Moynihan expressed gratitude to the Select Board, Barrett, and his family, highlighting the theme of “service above self” that has guided his efforts. “In all the roles I have been fortunate to take part in, there is one theme that runs through it all: service above self,” he said.
The recognition of Moynihan serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community. His dedication and unyielding commitment to Lynnfield will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Next Steps: Community members and local leaders are encouraged to celebrate Moynihan’s achievements and continue supporting volunteerism and civic engagement in Lynnfield.
