Setti Warren Former Mayor of Newton Dies at 55

Our country and Commonwealth have lost a brilliant patriot and public servant with the passing of former Mayor and @HarvardIOP Director, Setti Warren. His vision and example have inspired generations of young people. My heart is with his wife, Tassy, his children, and the entire Harvard and Newton communities.

Like so many, I was devastated by news of the sudden passing of Setti Warren, director of the @HarvardIOP . Setti's devotion to public service was manifest in everything he did--as a politician; a mayor; Naval officer and mentor. Just a warm and wonderful man.

I am heartbroken to learn of the sudden transition of my dear friend and former Kerry colleague, Setti Warren. There will be plenty of time to remember him as a proud Democrat, dedicated public servant, and convener, but for now I just want to remember the decent, kind, and good man that he was. Setti was a loving son, brother, dedicated husband, and father. He was always ready with a hug, an easy and deep laugh, and kind eyes that twinkled. He is someone you were always happy to see coming your way. He radiated light and optimism. Setti had so much life left to live, milestones to experience, hearts to touch, and lives to change. We communicated just last night. I am shocked. And I have called his phone and texted him repeatedly upon learning this devastating news as it was easier to be in denial. My heart goes out to the entire Warren family, including Tassy, Abigail and John. What a tremendous loss for our country, our Commonwealth, the community of Newton, Harvard, the Democratic Party, and all of humanity.

I’m saddened to hear about Setti Warren. Massachusetts lost a light today. Setti was a true public servant. I’m thinking of him and his family.

Massachusetts has lost a bright light much too young. Setti Warren was my mayor, my friend, and an exemplar to everyone of public service. When I first ran for city council, it was his style of door-to-door dynamism that inspired me. I grieve for his wife, Tassy, and his children. May his life and work inspire for years to come.

I am devastated to hear about the passing of @HarvardIOP ’s Director, Setti Warren. He was a beloved teacher, mentor, and leader. As former Mayor of Newton, he inspired students to love and participate in public service. Setti will be missed by so many. I am praying for his family during this difficult time.

It's with profound sadness we share that Setti Warren, Director of the Institute of Politics, has passed away. Setti was a beloved member of our community, and we're devastated by this heartbreaking news.

Setti Warren was a dear friend, a devoted father and husband, and an extraordinary public servant. He strove to make the burdens others carried a little lighter and life’s sharp edges a little softer. We are better for his service and his example. Lauren and I send our love and prayers to Tassy, Abigail, and John. We will miss you, my friend.

As a veteran, mayor, and mentor, Setti Warren spent his life to serving others and inspiring young leaders. Above all, he cherished his family and his role as husband and father. I had the privilege of working alongside him and he did this work for all the right reasons. I will miss his smarts, energy, compassion, and most of all, his heart. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, the Harvard community, and all who knew him.

Setti Warren represented everything that has become far too rare in our politics: decency, moral leadership, and the capacity to disagree without being disagreeable. He modeled those virtues — and so many more — through decades of public service and, more recently, to the Harvard students, faculty, and staff fortunate enough to learn from him. I’m grateful for the time we had working together, even if it was far too short. Our politics needs more Setti Warrens. RIP.

This is beyond heartbreaking Setti was an extraordinary leader and a great person When I started getting a barrage of death threats in late 2020, Setti was the first person I called He connected me quickly to the police chief and made sure that my family was safe. He was always doing stuff for other people. What a profound loss for all of us