He’s tried hard to keep a pretty low profile for almost two decades, but at his retirement celebration last night departing Wellesley Department of Public Works director Mike Pakstis finally got the attention he never sought. Although not a limelight kind of guy, Pakstis nevertheless dressed up for his party and went out in style after 19 years with the Town. Current and former town officials and staff, DPW board members, local legislators and residents were on hand to recognize Pakstis for his outstanding leadership and many achievements that have benefitted the town.

Mike Pakstis, Wellesley — Dave Hickey, Town Engineer; Mike Pakstis; Dave Cohen, Assistant DPW Director. Photo credit: SH

“Mike has helped us restore the reputation of the DPW as a very efficient and responsive organization with a business management focus,” said long-time DPW board member Dave Donohue. “He has achieved so many significant milestones for Wellesley and we are all very grateful.” Board chair Jeff Wechsler and vice chair Paul Criswell also shared comments about Mike’s warmth and expertise.

Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Norfolk) presented Mike with a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the DPW honored him with his own Wellesley street sign and a promise not to bother him during the next blizzard. A new DPW director has not yet been named.

Wellesley projects that benefitted from the Pakstis Pizzazz:

Sprague playing fields
Hunnewell Athletic Complex
Fuller Brook Park
DPW facility
Wellesley’s state-of-the-art Recycling and Disposal Facility

This is only a partial list, mind you. We could go on (and on, and on), but Mike’s embarrassed enough already by all the attention.

Our personal favorite Mike Pakstis moment took place in September of 2013, when he and the DPW’s Mike Quinn gave us an exclusive look inside the Sprague Clock Tower at Elm Park in Wellesley Hills.

Thanks for everything, Mike. We wish you well.