John H. Zurlo, 86, of Champlain, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at his home.

John was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Plattsburgh to John and Louise (DiGioia) Zurlo.

John graduated from St. Michael's College with the class of 1960 and received a B.A. Degree in Business Administration. He was a former business teacher and department head at NCCS for 34 years where he also coached baseball and golf. John was heavily involved in his community. He was a past president of the Rouses Point Kiwanis Club, Champlain Central Teacher's Association, Teacher's Federal Credit Union, and the local Youth Hockey Association; he was a member of the Board of Directors at CVPH as well as the Corporate Board, he was also a member of the Board of Directors at St. Mary's Mission Center, Knights of Columbus Council 3525, Plattsburgh Lodge of Elks 621, Plattsburgh Rotary International, Lake Champlain Citizens Advisory Committee, and the St. Michael's College Alumnus Board of Directors. He was involved with his church where he was St. Mary's Parish Lector, greeter, parish council member and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a trustee of St. Mary's Church. John was currently in his seventh term as the Clinton County Clerk. He also served as an Executive Vice Chair of the County Republican Committee and was formerly the Town of Champlain Republican Committee Chair; he also chaired the County Employee Heart Walk and the County Employee United Way. John, along with his wife Mary, were chose King and Queen of the 1983, Northern Tier Winter Carnival, 1995 Heart Ball and the 2009 BHSN Mardi Gras. He was also the recipient of many awards such as the Woodman of the World Citizen of the Year, the Masonic DeWitt Clinton Community Service Award, the Chamber of Commerce's 2010 "Irishman of the Year" and the 2020 St. Michael's College Alumnus of the Year.

John was also an avid Montreal Canadians and Boston Red Sox fan and a member of the North Country Golf Club for over 50 years.

You couldn't even imagine the incredible number of individuals that he touched in his tremendous career as a public servant. He meant so much to everyone and everyone felt blessed to have known him. He was the kindest and most welcoming person you could ever meet. He was always genuine and greeted everyone with kindness and a two minute handshake.

John Zurlo was a political legend with Clinton County, having served in electoral positions for over 50 years as a tax collector, county legislator and county clerk. He serves as county clerk more years than anyone in Clinton County history. John's legend will persevere forever.

John is survived by his wife, Mary of Champlain; sons, John of Champlain and Michael and Gretchen Zurlo of Morrisonville; brother, Eugene and Charlotte of Charleston, S.C.; grandchildren, Samantha and husband Joseph Scarchilli, Alexander Zurlo, Jacob Zurlo and Ian Zurlo; nieces and nephews, Luanne Zurlo, Paul Zurlo, Christopher Hay, and David Hay; and cousin, Vinny Nigro, as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation of CVPH, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, as well as the Champlain Mooers EMS, 1150 State Route 11, Champlain, NY 12919.

Calling hours will take place Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Church in Champlain on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ross Funeral Home in Mooers. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.ROSSFUNERALHOMES.com