Dennis Dickinson, the longtime town supervisor of Lake George, died late Wednesday. Dickinson is being remembered as an advocate for the lake and the community.
“He was a Lake George guy, he lived the Lake George life and he was really part of the fabric of this community,” said Crocitto.
Vinnie Crocitto is the Lake George Deputy Town Supervisor. Like many in tight-knit Lake George, Crocitto is remembering his colleague as someone who cared deeply about the community.
“I worked with that as for so many years, he was a great supervisor. He did so many things so well. He bridged the gap between our environmental issues and our business, the growth of business in our community. And not only with your great supervisors are great friends and now I'm gonna miss him,” said Crocitto.
Dickinson first served as town supervisor between 1979 and 1982, and began his second stint as supervisor in 2012.
Warren County Administrator John Taflan said while he knew the Republican was sick, Dickinson’s death came as a surprise.
“Everyone is shocked at the county,” said Taflan.
In addition to serving as town supervisor, Dickinson sat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. The board is planning a moment of silence for Dickinson at its next meeting on April 19th.
Taflan said Dickinson promoted the Adirondack summer getaway as a destination, even in the off-season.
“And that was one of his favorite topics to discuss, do everything we can to make Lake George an attractive destination to visit year-round,” said Taflan.
Taflan also remembers Dickinson’s sense of humor.
“He always called me ‘Slick’ and I always called him ‘Slick’ back…’cause I was hired here from Washington, D.C. So, I think he…we used to tease each other all the time,” said Taflan.
A business owner, Dickinson worked as a land surveyor. Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky says Dickinson, an engineer who had a master’s degree in environmental sciences, was initially a little skeptical about working with environmental advocates. But the supervisor became a champion for the lake, says Navitsky.
“Dennis always had the interest of Lake George in his heart. He enjoyed everything in Lake George from the mountains, to the lakes, to paddling. And part of that also is the community and he clearly was a true spirit for the community of the town of Lake George. So, it's a tremendous loss,” said Navitsky.
The Town of Lake George on social media Friday said Dickinson was “instrumental” in establishing the lake’s boat washing program to control invasive species, efforts to reduce road salt use around the lake, the completion of the Lake George Gateway project on Route 9, and the McPhillips Reserve conservation project on French Mountain.
