Benjamin F. Seawell Jr., three-term supervisor from Gloucester Point, died last month. Mr. Seawell, a World War II veteran, was a member of the greatest generation that is fast slipping away. He served his country honorably, his county conscientiously—and his God, as a faithful churchgoer.

A small businessman, Mr. Seawell came to the board as an advocate for zoning in 1984, the year in which Gloucester finally adopted this invaluable land use tool after many, many years of acrimonious debate. His vote helped to make zoning a reality. And he lost his seat after another big fight, the one which brought the Waste Management landfill to Gloucester. He stood by this controversial vote; the landfill, he said, was essential as Gloucester planned for future growth.

 How a man acts in power is one thing. How he acts as a private citizen is another; and as a private citizen, Mr. Seawell was always courteous, always cordial, and always concerned about the well-being of his friends an...