The Select Board bid a ceremonial farewell to departing members Patrick Tropeano and Peter Teitelbaum at its May 2 and 3 meetings. 

On Monday, the board also recognized outgoing Town Moderator Claire Smith, who served in that role for a decade. Smith did not run for reelection this year.

Tropeano chose not to run for reelection, while Teitelbaum chose to resign his seat with one year left in his term. Those positions — along with that held by Jim Munise — were on the ballot at Tuesday’s Town Election. 

“You have survived some of the worst Town Meetings I have ever seen in my entire life, and some of the best,” said board chair Judith Whiteside, crediting Smith with returning civility and calm to Town Meetings. 

At an in-person meeting on Monday night, Whiteside presented both men with small trophies, emblazoned with the word “survivor,” to commemorate their years of service. 

“I just want to thank Peter and Patrick for a great tenure,” said Town Administrator Derek Sullivan on Tuesday. He said he appreciated the men’s ability to “disagree without being disagreeable, and they have big hearts.”

Tropeano said it was a pleasure to work with Sullivan, and noted that disagreement among board members is a healthy part of the board’s function. He then said he hoped certain candidates he doesn’t support aren’t elected, as things may “not be so good” in the future.

Teitelbaum thanked Sullivan for his leadership, saying that during Sullivan’s tenure, the Onset Bay Center project was completed, the town put plans for affordable homes at Littleton Drive in motion and the town’s audit reports and bond ratings have been excellent. Teitelbaum said Sullivan has been integral to the town’s successes over the past decade.

“Whoever gets elected, you damn well better work with this guy,” Teitelbaum said. “And thanks to the voters of Wareham for putting their trust in me four times.”

Whiteside noted that with the departure of the two men, the board is losing more than 30 years of municipal experience.

“Between the two of them, they have served on virtually every liaison committee,” Whiteside said. “They will be sorely missed.”

She said she will call on the men to pick their brains when needed.

“Thanks guys,” said Jim Munise. “All the best.”

Symbolically, Tropeano and Teitelbaum both moved to adjourn the meeting.