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.
