'A True Leader': Fairfield Officials Remember Ellery Plotkin

FAIRFIELD, CT — Former Democrat town leader Ellery Plotkin died last week. He was 67. His death April 2 was unrelated to the new coronavirus outbreak, Fairfield officials confirmed.

Plotkin was a member of the Representative Town Meeting for 10 years, during which he served as majority leader and deputy moderator. He also sat on the Parks and Recreation Commission for 10 years, according to his obituary, and was a member and former chairman of the Democratic Town Committee.

“I am very thankful for his years of faithful service to our town and although we didn’t always agree, we always engaged in respectful dialogue. I thank him for that,” said First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, a Republican who served on the town meeting and parks commission with Plotkin, in a prepared statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

In 2016, Plotkin was awarded the Eunice Postol Community Service Award by the Democratic Town Committee.

“He did not seek recognition, serving with humility and perseverance,” state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, D-District 133, said in a Facebook post.

Plotkin was born in Stamford but lived in Fairfield for 38 years. He worked as an attorney, specializing in bankruptcy law and most recently practicing at the Law Offices of Ellery E. Plotkin LLC in Norwalk. In addition to his political work, Plotkin was a former Cub Scout master for Pack 95 at North Stratfield Elementary School.

“Ellery was widely recognized as a passionate Democrat, a compassionate attorney, and a kind friend with a wonderful sense of humor. A true leader within our community, Ellery was a wonderful example of a life well lived,” the Democratic Town Committee said in a Facebook post.

Plotkin is survived by his wife, Gail Plotkin; his children, Andrew and Rachel Plotkin; his granddaughter, Angela Plotkin; and many other family members. A graveside service was set for Monday at B’nai Israel Cemetery in Monroe. The service was limited to immediate family due to the virus outbreak, but was accompanied by a livestream. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research at www.lustgarten.org/donate.