STRATFORD, CT — Stratford’s affable finance director, Jay Wahlberg of Monroe, died from COVID-19 Friday morning, according to a news release from Mayor Laura R. Hoydick.
“It is with great sadness that I report that Jay Wahlberg, the Finance Director for the Town of Stratford, passed away from complications due to COVID-19,” she wrote. “Jay was an integral member of the Town of Stratford management team. He was well-respected, accomplished and a friend to all who knew him.”
“We in his Town hall family are heartbroken over the loss of him, and our condolences and prayers go out to his wife Marlene and his family,” Hoydick said. “He will be deeply missed.”
On Saturday morning, Monroe First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced that Monroe lost its first resident to COVID-19, a man in his 70s. According to published reports, Wahlberg was 76.
Mayor John Harkins appointed Wahlberg as Stratford’s finance director in January of 2017.
Wahlberg brought extensive experience to the position, having served as controller of the town of Brookfield from 2009 to 2012, controller of the town of Ridgefield from 1993 to 2008, and as Groton’s assistance finance director from 1988 to 1993.
He was a certified public accountant and certified public government finance officer, and received numerous professional awards and distinctions over the course of his career.
