Carol Bauer and Norwalk Council Member At-Large Greg Burnett at the Carver Community Center’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Teen Center
Carver joins the City of Norwalk in mourning the loss of Common Council Member Greg Burnett, a longtime public servant, advocate, and dear friend to our community.
Mr. Burnett was a constant presence at Carver through the years, celebrating our milestones and standing beside us as we worked to expand opportunities for young people. Last year, he joined city leaders at the groundbreaking for Carver’s new two-story Teen Center, sharing in a moment that symbolized growth, possibility, and hope for Norwalk’s future.
Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin shared her own heartfelt reflections:
“The news of Greg’s passing left me in shock. Only recently, he and I had been in touch about the Omega Psi Phi event in October, when they will be honoring me. Over the years, our paths crossed in so many meaningful ways, not just through his leadership in Norwalk, but also through the world of track and field. As a USA Track & Field official, Greg was a steady presence at countless meets where my sons competed. We spent many fun times together at those events, sharing the unique camaraderie of families and officials bound by the sport. He was even on the field this past June at the Outdoor National Championship, where my son Kyle earned three medals. To me, Greg embodied what it means to be both a servant leader and a friend—rooted in equity, inclusion, and community, while also celebrating the small personal victories that make life so rich. His kindness, encouragement, and commitment to young people will stay with me always.”
Greg dedicated himself to public service in Norwalk. First elected to the Common Council in 2017, he went on to serve as Council President, chair the Finance and Claims Committee, and contribute to many other committees addressing land use, community services, and affordable housing. He believed deeply in representing all residents and spoke often of the importance of listening, dialogue, and equity.
Carver Board President, Phil Butterfield, CEO Novelette Peterkin, and Greg Bernett
Outside of City Hall, Greg gave his time and wisdom to many causes. He served on the Norwalk Mentor Advisory Board, advised the Norwalk Salvation Army, and mentored young people with the same compassion and guidance he brought to his professional life. During his career with IBM, he held senior leadership positions in human resources and also found joy in athletics, serving as a certified USA Track & Field official.
L-R: Norwalk Council Member At-Large Greg Burnett, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, Mayor Harry Rilling, CT Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Carver board president Phil Butterfield, and Carol Bauer
Greg often described education as “the great equalizer” and believed every child deserves a robust and equitable learning experience. Those values are ones we share deeply at Carver, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of our mission to help students reach their highest potential.
Mayor Harry Rilling expressed it well when he noted that Greg’s devotion to public service made a lasting impact on the city he loved. That legacy will live on in the thousands of students and families whose lives he touched through his leadership and his friendship.
Carver extends heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family, friends, and colleagues. We will remember him not only for his service but also for his kindness, presence, and unwavering belief in the power of education and community.
Carver Day celebration in 2018! (L-R) Norwalk Common Council member, Greg Burnett; CT Senate Majority Leader, Bob Duff; CT Representative Terrie Wood; CT Representative and Carver board member Fred Wilms; Novelette Peterkin, Carver Executive Director; and CT Representative Gail Lavielle.