On behalf of the City of Stamford, the JWV Fred Robbins Post 142, and the Citizen of the Year Selection Committee, we are pleased to announce the selection of Harry Day as Stamford’s 2025 Citizen of the Year (COTY).
Harry was unanimously recognized because “he has demonstrated a belief in interfaith harmony, possesses the highest standards of responsibility in civic life, has helped in the promotion of projects for the public welfare, and who has a meaningful connection to the City of Stamford and made significant contributions to the betterment of the city” – the criteria for selection of one of Stamford’s most prestigious community service/volunteer awards.
“Those in our community who have worked with Harry know of his passion, energy, and commitment to making our city the best place to live.” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “He has played a key role in shaping our city and has become an integral part of our community’s fabric. I am proud to join the Committee in recognizing Harry Day with the 2025 Stamford Citizen of the Year Award.”
Bill Hennessey, chair of the Selection Committee said, “Harry is a perfect and natural choice for this honor. For decades he’s donated his time to a variety of organizations that are essential to the vitality of our community and the quality of life we are blessed with here in Stamford.”
His lengthy commitment, dedication and generosity to Kids in Crisis, Stamford Emergency Medical Services, Stamford Land Conservation Trust, and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center have been exceptional. Harry has been involved with Kids in Crisis since 2003 and served as Board Chair from 2007 to 2013. He has been a Board Member with Stamford Emergency Medical Services since 2002, serving as Vice President since 2013 where his legal background proved instrumental in redrafting and improving their by-laws.
Harry is the current Board President of the Stamford Land Conservation Trust which owns and preserves over 450 acres of land across fifty-seven properties, including 60 acres recently acquired in large part due to his unwavering perseverance. Over its fifty-year history, Harry Day has dedicated twenty years of service to the preservation of our city’s beautiful, bucolic, open land.
Harry has served on the Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s Board of Directors since 2013. His leadership as Board President from 2018 – 2024 was instrumental in transforming the campus with the addition of the Knobloch Family Farmhouse, the maple sugar house, and an outdoor gathering space, sponsored by him. His continued work includes the planning and building of a magnificent new Planetarium & Astronomy Center due to open this spring. He is currently serving as the Board President Emeritus championing the Museum’s capital Campaign for Future Generations.
Harry also served as a volunteer member of the Stamford Board of Representatives for nearly two decades, including chairing the Land Use Committee.
The COTY selection committee and the Jewish War Veterans are proud to honor Harry Day as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Two upcoming events will celebrate him: first, the plaque naming ceremony at Government Center, and second at the Citizen of the Year Dinner which will be held this spring. Details to follow.
