The life and legacy of Greenwich native and three term selectman David Theis was immortalized on Sunday morning when the Mianus River Bridge was renamed in his honor.

Before a crowd of close to 300 packing the small park by the bridge, signage declaring it to be the Honorable David T. Theis Memorial Bridge was unveiled. Theis, who died suddenly last December, was remembered not just for his five years in office but for a lifetime of community service and dedication to the town and its residents.

First Selectman Peter Tesei said how appropriate the huge crowd was given Theis’ contributions.

“Dave always liked to say he was your neighbor in government and neighbor is the key word here,” Tesei said.

The turnout meant a lot to Theis’ longtime partner Kerrin Coyle.

“Everyone always showed their support for David,” she said. “This is just a continuation of that. Everyone loved him. Having this is a true honor and I’m so happy for all the people who made this happen. He deserved it so much. He was a man who loved giving back.”

The day was extra significant because Sunday would have been Theis’ 66th birthday and after the 15-minute ceremony there was a reception nearby at the St. Lawrence Club to celebrate. His sister Ginny Theis thanked his “friends, fans and supporters” who had come out to show their love for him.

“I can’t think of anything more he would have appreciated than something like this and seeing all of you attend,” she said.

http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Bridge-remamed-in-Theis-memory-at-emotional-6474559.php

https://www.greenwichsentinel.com/2015/08/30/theis-remembered-honored-with-bridge-dedication/