Honor John H. Zurlo's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 50 BY: Senator STEC MOURNING the death of John H. Zurlo, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, John H. Zurlo, of Champlain, New York, died at his home on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, On October 24,1938, John H. Zurlo was born to John and Louise (DiGioia) Zurlo in Plattsburgh, New York; he graduated from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree, in 1960; and WHEREAS, John H. Zurlo was a business teacher and department head at Northeastern Clinton Central School (NCCS), where he also coached baseball and golf, for 34 years; and WHEREAS, After retiring from teaching in 1989, John H. Zurlo was elected to the Clinton County Legislature; for 22 years, he also served as Champlain's Tax Collector; and WHEREAS, In 1995, after serving as Legislator for three terms, John H. Zurlo was elected as Clinton County Clerk; he was re-elected as Clerk seven times, most recently in November of 2023; he was sworn in for his eighth term in January of 2024 by one of his former students, the Clinton County Judge; he was the longest-serving County Clerk not only in Clinton County's history but also in New York State; and WHEREAS, Heavily involved in his community, John H. Zurlo participated in numerous activities and organizations, including the local Youth Hockey Association, the Board of Directors at St. Mary's Mission Center, Knights of Columbus Council No. 3525, and the St. Michael's College Alumnus Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, John H. Zurlo was known for his advocacy and engagement with the members of his community; he was always willing to invest his time in his neighbors; he was also known to lend a helping hand to someone in need; and WHEREAS, Family, friends, and anyone fortunate to know John H. Zurlo describe him as willing to work hard for the betterment of his community; his determination and dedication made him one of the North Country's most visible and well-known public figures; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to serving his community, John H. Zurlo was a distinguished public servant, exemplifying warmth and professionalism; his love of service was evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him; this pillar of public service in the North Country, beloved teacher, and friend to the community was always a gentleman and will be missed tremendously; and WHEREAS, John H. Zurlo was involved as a lector, greeter, parish council member, Eucharist Minister, and Board Trustee at St. Mary's Parish; he was the recipient of many awards, including the Masonic DeWitt Clinton Community Service Award, the North Country Chamber of Commerce "Irishman of the Year," which is a prestigious annual award bestowed upon an individual who aids the community in a selfless manner (2010), and the St. Michael's College Alumnus of the Year (2020); and WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, John H. Zurlo was a member of the North Country Golf Club and was also an avid fan of the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Red Sox; and WHEREAS, John H. Zurlo is known as the kindest and most welcoming person you could ever meet; he is revered as always genuine, ready with a smile and lengthy handshake; he is described as a great family man, husband, father, and friend to everyone; and WHEREAS, Much beloved John H. Zurlo is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, John and Michael (Gretchen) Zurlo; brother, Eugene (Charlotte) Zurlo; grandchildren, Samantha (Joseph) Scarchilli, Alexander Zurlo, Jacob Zurlo, and Ian Zurlo; nieces and nephews, Luanne Zurlo, Paul Zurlo, Christopher Hay, and David Hay; cousin, Vinny Nigro; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, John H. Zurlo leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of John H. Zurlo, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John H. Zurlo.