Victor Overton: Public Works Chief and Volunteer Firefighter

From the Nyack Free Press

Nyack native Victor Overton, head of Nyack’s Department of Public Works and a Nyack volunteer firefighter, died today after a battle with cancer. He was 49.

Mr. Overton died at 1:40 a.m. today at home.

Mr. Overton was a member of the Nyack Fire Department’s Jackson Fire Engine Co. No. 3 and was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack. Raised in Nyack, Mr. Overton was known for his dedication to the community. As head of the DPW, he was a hands-on leader who was known for his tireless efforts through many emergencies, ranging from Hurricane Sandy to the seemingly endless snowstorms and bitter cold that have come with recent winters.

Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White recalled that while most people were seeking shelter during Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Overton was out braving the storm to clear debris and other hazards. She said that his dedication to his work was an extension of his love for the community.

“This is a tremendous loss,” said White. “There was no one who loved this place more than Vic Overton.”

At Nyack Village Hall, White said Mr. Overton was always concerned for others and was a “big brother” to many members of the village government staff.

Even through his illness, White said, Mr. Overton was concerned for the well-being of the community. White noted that Mr. Overton went to his office on Monday and had been driving around the village, surveying local streets that needed attention from his crew at the DPW based on Catherine Street in Nyack.

Viewing hours for Mr. Overton are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 80 N. Franklin St., Nyack. A funeral is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

A firematic service for Mr. Overton is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the church.

A gathering after the funeral on Tuesday is planned for Jackson Fire Engine Co. No. 3, at the Nyack Fire Department’s Central Station on Park Street, Nyack.

Arrangements are being handled by Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 S. Broadway, Nyack. Donations in memory of Mr. Overton may be made to the Victor G. Overton’s Children’s Education Fund, c/o Nyack Village Hall, 9 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.

• A page on the FundRazr web site has been created to help the Overton family. Click here for more information.

Here’s the notice posted by the Nyack village government today by Mayor White:

I am devastated to have to let you all know that Victor Overton, our beloved DPW head, died last night after a long and hard fought illness.We all adored Vic, his quick laugh and his unbelievable willingness to help everyone in this village with anything they needed. I often remind people that while all of us slept soundly in the quiet of a snowstorm, it was Vic who climbed out of his warm bed and left his beloved family to head out and plow so that we could all get to work in the morning. As Hurricane Sandy raged around us, Vic refused to go home continuing to clear streets and storm drains even when it was no longer safe.He made sure our trash was emptied, our potholes were filled, our paving happened, our streets were swept and our park was cleaned. He cared for everyone in this Village for over 20 years. Cared deeply. And he made us laugh. We will miss him and we can’t imagine village life without him.