Area residents were shocked by the news of the sudden death of Dennis A. Pelletier, 54, of Spencerport on Monday, February 2. Mr. Pelletier collapsed in Albany at the New York State Association of Counties’ legislative conference, there to deliver a tribute for another Monroe County official, Kevin Crerand, who died last summer. Dennis Pelletier joined the Ogden Zoning Board in 1985. He was appointed to the Ogden Town Council in 1987 to fill the seat vacated when councilmember Donald Walzer was appointed town supervisor following Robert Sickelco’s resignation. Mr. Pelletier was elected to the Monroe County Legislature in 1992, serving eleven years as representative of residents in the 20th District which includes the towns of Greece, Parma and Ogden. He served as president of the county body for the last six years. He submitted his resignation from the position as legislator on January 15 to accept the appointment to head the Monroe County Water Authority as executive director. In his letter of resignation from the Monroe County Legislature, Mr. Pelletier wrote: “It has been an honor and a privilege being part of this Legislature for the past eleven years. With me, I will take numerous memories and a host of accomplishments. I have enjoyed working with all of you to strengthen our community and I appreciate all of your support and friendship throughout the years. … I would like to thank the voters of the 20th District for having confidence in my ability to represent them for four terms as their legislator. Over the years, the 20th district has changed significantly and I have enjoyed working with the citizens of the six towns and two villages I have represented.” “Dennis was a bright, vibrant and energetic individual who was extremely well-liked by everyone who had the opportunity to know him,” Monroe County Water Authority Chairman Peter Formicola said in a prepared statement. Pelletier was just a few weeks into the job at the Water Authority. His colleagues on both sides of the political aisle in the legislature described him as a soft spoken individual who could handle the sometimes fervent political debates, and as one who was very approachable, kind and gentlemanly in all proceedings. Mr. Pelletier and Ogden Councilman Tom Uschold were partners in Eden Associates, a pump supplier. "In owning a business with Dennis for the past ten years, I knew him as a person who had a great sense of humor, a genuine concern for others as well as being a good businessman and a great friend," Uschold said. A strong supporter of the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pelletier served as master of ceremonies for the group’s annual dinner on January 30 as he had for the last few years. He also co-chaired the group’s golf tournament fundraiser and organized the Youth Hall of Fame awards. “The Chamber is shocked and saddened with the loss,” Chamber Past President Dave Moore said. “Dennis served as a member of our Board of Directors. He was a task-oriented member but, more importantly, a gentle and caring friend. … He provided a sense of foresight and vision that helped the organization move forward. He will be greatly missed by the organization and as a friend by all of us.” "Dennis had a strong commitment to this community that he showed by his involvement,” said Ogden Supervisor Gay Lenhard. “He was active in so many different areas; from baseball to the park to the chamber. Besides his wonderful sense of humor, Dennis was always very good about giving credit to others. He will be deeply missed. He was a classy man." Dennis Pelletier is survived by his wife of 31 years, Renee, and their children, Gregory (Lisa) Pelletier of Rochester and Nicole (Brian) Fedele of Spencerport and three grandchildren, Mason, Luc and Livia. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Harold and Doris Liebler, two brothers, four sisters, two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Elizabeth Pelletier and his brother, Gregory. A Memorial Mass was said February 6 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Those wishing may contribute to a charity of their choice in Mr. Pelletier’s memory. |
