Councilman Ed Molinelli Resigns After Nearly Two Decades of Service

Town of Marlborough Councilman Ed Molinelli announced this week that he will step down from the Town Board at the start of the new year, bringing to a close nearly two decades of public service.

Molinelli, first elected in 2007, has been a familiar presence in town government and community life. Beyond his role on the board, he had long been active in youth sports, including basketball and football, and is known locally for leading the town’s bocce league.

In his resignation statement, Molinelli expressed gratitude to his colleagues and to the community, noting that his retirement will take effect January 1, 2026. His decision comes midway through his four-year term, which began with his reappointment on January 1, 2024.

Under New York State Public Officer Law 42, vacancies that occur within three months of a general election must be filled by appointment until the next election cycle. The Town Board has not yet announced how it intends to proceed in naming an interim councilmember.

Molinelli’s announcement follows a year marked by both personal and public challenges. His absence from board activities has been notable in recent months, which the board has attributed to health concerns acknowledged in his retirement statement. In addition, Molinelli remains involved in an ongoing investigation stemming from a motor vehicle accident in which he fatally struck his colleague, Justin Grater, while moving a dealership vehicle.

His departure leaves the board with the task of not only filling the vacancy but also moving forward after the loss of one of its longtime members and the difficult circumstances that have surrounded his final year in office.