The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Former county executive passes
Former Oneida County official dies Thursday, flags to fly at half-staff.
Flags will f ly at half mast across Oneida County in honor of former county executive John “Jack” Plumley, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 87.
Plumley, a Camden businessman, enjoyed a lengthy career in Oneida County politics, holding several positions in addition to executive. He served as executive from 1983 to 1991, and on the Oneida County Board of Legislators from1972 to 1980. During his legislative tenure, he served as Chairman from 1978 to 1979, Majority Leader in 1977 and Ways and Means Chairman in 1976.
“Eleanor and I are extremely saddened by the passing of Jack Plumley,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “He was a dear friend and our hearts go out to the entire Plumley family who we have known for many years and have shared many wonderful memories with.”
To Picente, the duo’s relationship extended beyond the professional workplace setting of county government.
“While I worked for Jack his entire time as County Executive, our relationship was much more than just that. He was a father, brother and mentor all wrapped into one. Jack was a great leader, a legendary story teller and his integrity knew no bounds. He was a man who never wasted a day in his life. The region saw great growth under his administration and during his time on the Board of Legislators. I’m very happy that just weeks ago, he was able to see first-hand the furthering of his vision of two Mohawk Valley Community College campuses when the John D. Plumley Complex was unveiled in Rome.”
Picente added that flags would remain at half mast until funeral arrangements conclude.
Like Picente, New York State Senator Joseph Griffo R-47 viewed hime as both a mentor and friend.
“Today we mourn the loss of Jack Plumley, an icon of Oneida County who cared deeply about his community and its people. Jack was a man of true integrity and character, who never wavered in his convictions and the values that made him such a proud father, an accomplished business owner and a dedicated public servant,” Griffo said.
The New York State senator also spoke of Plumley’s place as a fixture in the fabric of the Camden community.
“Fromhis days as Oneida County Executive in the 1980s, to his friendly presence at the family hardware store he operated in his lifelong hometown of Camden, Jack Plumley was never afraid to let you know where he stood on an issue and what he believed in,” Griffo said, recalling his relationship with Plumley. “I first developed a friendship with Jack as I was starting my career in public service as a young staff member under RomeMayor Carl Eilen- berg, and Jack remained a good person to talk with while I served as Rome Mayor, Oneida County Executive and then State Senator. Jack was always willing to offer advice and be candid, in both criticism and encouragement, and getting a pat on the back from Jack really made you feel good because you knew you earned it. Now, when you look at the success of his children, it really is a tribute to the positive attributes both Jack and his wife, Helen, possessed throughout their lives.”
Funeral arrangements had not been finalized at the time of this publication.