Town Moderator Tom O’Donnell of Hingham hands over the gavel and reflects on his 45-year career - Metro

After 45 years as Hingham’s town moderator, Tom O’Donnell has stepped down from his role as the steadying influence at Town Meetings. O’Donnell jokes, “I haven’t done anything very remarkable. I’ve just done it for a long time.’’ But Hingham residents feel his service is worth celebrating and will hold a retirement party at the South Shore Country Club Thursday evening.