Town mourns Jane Sager

First female town supervisor

By Kerry Butrick Dowling
Posted 12/4/19

The Town of Newburgh is morning the loss of former Town of Newburgh Councilwoman and later Supervisor Jane Sager who passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the age of 84, at her Florida winter …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Town mourns Jane Sager

First female town supervisor

Posted

The Town of Newburgh is morning the loss of former Town of Newburgh Councilwoman and later Supervisor Jane Sager who passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the age of 84, at her Florida winter home.

To date, Sager was the first and only female supervisor in the town. Born on July 10, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Ellsworth and Marguerite (McCarroll) Wilson. Sager is survived by her husband of 61 years, William Sager, her four children and their families.

A resident of Newburgh, Sager grew up in the City of Newburgh and attended Saint Patrick’s School and Newburgh Free Academy. She was also a past member of the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Corp. and volunteered at Gardnertown Elementary School.

Sager eventually joined the Town of Newburgh Republican Committee and continued serving the public as a Town of Newburgh Councilwoman and Supervisor for the Town of Newburgh. Sager served as Town Supervisor from 1994 until 1995 and served as a councilwoman in the years prior.

“Jane will be sadly missed,” said Gil Piaquadio, current town supervisor. “She was a great mother; known for her volunteerism including serving as a volunteer for the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Corp; always placed the community before herself; and, made this Town a better place.”

Following her passing, Sager is remembered for her ability to work well with others and her commitment to the Town of Newburgh.

Town of Newburgh Councilwoman Elizabeth Greene described Sager as “truly a wonderful lady” and shared that she will remember Sager for her devotion to the residents of the Town of Newburgh. “She really was dedicated to the people of the Town of Newburgh. She listened to the needs of the public and valued their concerns. She wanted everyone to have a fair shake,” Greene explained.

In addition to respecting the needs of the public, Greene expressed that Sager was equally concerned about Town of Newburgh employees especially when it came to union negotiations. “She encouraged department leaders to become involved at the table and be part of decision making. She really had the best intentions for not only residents, but employees of the town,” Greene said.

Town of Newburgh Councilman Scott Manley recalled working with Sager in the 1990s when he was the Police Benevolent Association President.

“Jane Sager always listened and she had an open door policy. I was able to work with her on many items and we always came to a mutual agreement,” he explained.

Orange County Legislator and Town of Newburgh Republican Committee Chairman Leigh Benton remembered Sager for her interest in fighting overdevelopment and preserving the water at Chadwick Lake.

“She had a big impact in what might be considered a small amount of time,” Benton said. “I think what I respected most about Jane Sager was her ability to be fair and listen to your thoughts and concerns, but also tell you where she stood on issues. She was never afraid to tell you what she was thinking or her positon on a topic. She had a large interest in the Town of Newburgh and I think that’s what she will be remembered for.”