John H. Zurlo | Clinton County New York

John H. Zurlo, born in Plattsburgh, NY, in 1938, was a family man who loved this place in the world and sought to serve others through his work and life. Beloved husband of Mary, he was immensely proud of his sons John and Michael and of his grandchildren, as well as of his extended family. A retired business teacher at Northeastern Clinton Central School, Mr. Zurlo, the coach and teacher, was also extremely proud of the hundreds of students whose lives he touched via this work.

But, John Zurlo's service did not end with his teaching. A man of great faith, he believed in living in service, which he accomplished through serving on various service organizations (the Rouses point Kiwanis Club, the St. Mary's Mission Center, the Knights of Columbus Council #3525, the Plattsburgh Lodge of Elks #621, and Plattsburgh Rotary International), through actively engaging in promoting the health and welfare of the local community (serving as the chair of the County Employee Heart Walk and the County Employee United Way drive), and through 50 years in public office (as tax collector, county legislator, and County Clerk).

Visitors to the County Clerk's Office encountered a man who was always willing to stop and talk with them. Given his history in this place, it was very likely that John not only knew the visitor, but also knew various members of their family. And he loved to talk about those people and the ways he had encountered them. His office as Clerk was filled with memorabilia, which spanned his entire tenure, a period that lasted longer than any previous Clinton County Clerk.

His death in 2024 was felt keenly throughout the community, and it is fitting to see his name on the Government Center where he had spent so very much time seeking to make life better for those around him.

To read more about his life and legacy, please visit these sites: