Submitted Photo Jack Glenzer, left, stands with Joseph Gerace Sr. at the Veterans Memorial dedication in the fall.

One day before the late John “Jack” Glenzer celebrated his 90th birthday on March 8, 2021, his predecessor as the first Chautauqua County executive marked a milestone of his own. Joseph Gerace Sr., who also served as state Supreme Court justice, had turned 94.

Two extraordinary men and leaders with so many common bonds were last together in October for a special dedication in the county seat. In a string of condolence emails, Gerace was one of the former executives to express his sorrows regarding the death of his friend to Glenzer’s son, Jeff.

“Beyond sharing the experience of being Chautauqua County executives, we were both veterans who proudly served our country,” Gerace wrote in a message.

“This past fall, we were together in Mayville to dedicate the Veterans Memorial. Your father spoke eloquently, with no notes. He was gracious and generous during the conversation we had together after the ceremony.”

Gerace, unfortunately, was unable to join the other Chautauqua County executives who were celebrated during a March event at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown. Glenzer, however, was in attendance and stole the show.

“It was a wonderful event to have Jack’s self-deprecating humble observations shared once again with all who were there and have them captured thanks to Greg Peterson,” wrote Greg Edwards, who served two terms as executive from 2006 to 2013. “(He) would always give credit to everyone else in the room, when in fact he led the way almost every time. He would comment on how smart and motivated and effective everyone else to a project was, when once again the facts would show that none of it would have happened without his steady hand and razor sharp understanding of human nature.

“Everyone else who came after him in that role was influenced to attempt to follow his lead, and while we all tried it was never duplicated.”

Earlier this week, Fredonia Mayor Douglas Essek said today would be noted as John Glenzer Day in the village.

Mark Thomas, who also served as Pomfret town supervisor, noted his sorrows. “Your father’s contributions to the people of this county are large indeed,” he wrote to son Jeff.

“I am honored to follow in his footsteps and honored to call him a mentor and friend,” current County Executive PJ Wendel wrote.

All the other executives, including Sen. George Borrello, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, Vince Horrigan and Steve Abdella, also sent notes of sympathy.

Calling hours will take place today for Glenzer, who died April 10, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia. A Masonic service, under the auspices of the Forest Lodge 166 F&AM will be at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Fredonia, 219 Central Ave., Fredonia. Full military honors, provided by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, will take place at church following the funeral service. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery will be private.

“Goodbye Jack, strong and warm are my memories of you,” Gerace concluded in a farewell. “Your dry wit softened the frustrations of our days. You always had an unforgettable presence, a caring, loving, generous heart, a joyous sense of humor. You inspired us; you humored us; you tolerated us; you challenged us; you set an example for us as human beings. Now, you have left for greener pastures; a spiritual place where you will inspire, cajole and rattle the cages of the angels and the loved ones who have passed on before.”