Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It is not without symbolism that former three term Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski died at the age of 76 on Independence Day.
Gorski served in the United States Marine Corps and ultimately developed Parkinson's disease resulting from his exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War.
Gorski was a longtime powerful force in Democratic politics locally, servining in the New York State Assembly, then Erie County Executive and finally as a justice in the Town of Cheektowaga.
Gorski was 76.
"I once called Dennis Gorski the “gold standard” of public service, and that judgement stands as we mourn his passing on the anniversary of our nation’s founding," said Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner. "From military veteran to county legislator, three-term county executive, and town justice, Dennis was devoted to ideals above ideology, and believed in government that was at once fiscally responsible and compassionate."
"“Dennis Gorski was a man of honor and commitment to public service," said Rep. Brian Higgins on Buffalo. "From his days in Vietnam as a young soldier to his legislative service, to 12 trailblazing years as Erie County Executive to his final years as Cheektowaga Town Justice, Dennis spent the entirety of his adult life in service to the people and the community he loved so dearly."
"He cared deeply about the people of Erie County and made our community better," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown in a statement. "He supported me throughout my service as an elected official."
Gorski is survived by his longtime wife Mary Jo, their children and extended family.