Vermont Business Magazine Statement from Speaker Jill Krowinski on the passing of former Burlington Representative Curt McCormack.
“It is with a heavy heart that I remember my friend and former colleague, Representative Curt McCormack, who passed away after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Curt dedicated over two decades to the Vermont legislature representing Rutland and Burlington, championing crucial environmental and transportation initiatives, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to Vermont and beyond that will not be forgotten.
“Curt's innovative spirit and dedication to Vermont can be seen in his many legislative contributions to environmental policy and public infrastructure. He practiced what he advocated for, he was the only Chair of Transportation not to own a car. He was fierce in his climate advocacy, from championing our first comprehensive solid waste law to creating the Ethan Allen express Amtrak train service. We honor his remarkable life of public service and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who were touched by his work. His commitment to fighting climate change, his love of Burlington and the state of Vermont will always be remembered.”
On Monday, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman released the following statement:
“I am deeply moved by the news of the passing of Former Rep. Curt McCormack. Curt was someone who lived his values more than just about anyone I knew. As an avid environmentalist, he would not drive a car alone. He regularly worked to be sure he could bike, or bus, or take a train, or walk or carpool everywhere he went. He was kind to everyone and was always a good educator on the issues of energy, climate change, and how we treat our planet. My condolences go out to all of his family near and far. I will miss you, my friend.”
A public celebration of life will be announced in the coming weeks.
Curt McCormack was born in Queens, New York and moved to Vermont in 1971 and to Burlington in 2008. Curt McCormack was a member of the Vermont House representing the City of Rutland from 1983 until 1996 and has represented the Old North End and Downtown of Burlington 2013 to 2022. He chaired the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy for five years in the 1990's; was chair of the Joint House/Senate Energy Committee; vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Environment Committee and representative on the NCSL High Level Radioactive Waste Repository Task Force; co-chair of the New England Recycling Council; House representative of the Vermont Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission; vice chair Vermont Rail Council. He was the sponsor of Act 78, Vermont's comprehensive solid waste law; the first-in-the-nation 1989 law that regulated Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and the creation of the Ethan Allen Express Amtrak train service. He was the recipient of the New England Environmental Network Leadership Award from Tufts University. Since resigning from the Legislature, Rep. McCormack was Vermont Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator; Vermont Low Income Advocacy Council Advocate; Director of Advocacy Vermont Public Interest Research Group; an environmental consultant for the State of Vermont, City of Burlington, Peace Corps, USAID; electrical contractor and Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal from 2005-2008. He was the co-chair of the NCSL Committee on Natural Resources and Infrastructure from 2016-2017 and was on the House Transportation Committee.
Curt McCormack Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Curt McCormack on September 16, at the age of 72. He was born in Little Neck, New York and lived most of his life in Vermont. He lived with purpose, integrity, and intention. He was a loyal friend, a persuasive advocate, and a courageous change-maker. He was open to house guests, even at the last minute. He loved to meet and learn from new people, and to understand their perspectives. And he was generous with his solar hot water.
Curt was a loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was also an electrical contractor, legislator, painter, musician, cyclist, and admirer of the arts, especially opera. He enjoyed music from Bob Dylan to Beethoven to Puccini. He did not clutter his life with unnecessary items, living simply and honestly. Curt had a natural curiosity for life that endeared him to many people. He found joy in the smallest parts of our world, inhaling deeply when he encountered flowers, especially lilacs.
Curt represented Rutland City in the Vermont State Legislature for 13 years and Burlington for 9 years. He was a fierce advocate for the environment as both a policymaker and in his personal life. He led by example – he did not own a car, took a no-fly pledge, composted food waste beginning in 1984, led the recycling effort in Rutland in the 80s and 90s, was a vegetarian for more than 50 years, and was instrumental in crafting legislation regulating chlorofluorocarbons and creating the Ethan Allen Express Amtrak service, first to Rutland and then to Burlington.
His life was punctuated by adventurous trips to learn about other parts of the world and their environmental practices. He spent three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal, creating a large composting facility in Joal – an impact that has lasting effects on the community there. He helped wire a hospital in Haiti for Partners in Health. He toured many places on his bicycle, including Ireland, Poland, Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Canada, California, and New England.
Curt's legacy will live on in the stories his loved ones share, in the public services he performed, and in the memories of those who love him.
He is survived by his partner, Lisa Scofield; the mother of his children and first wife, Virginia McCormack; his second wife, Nicole Dewing; his children, Blythe (Timothy Lynch) McCormack and Jamie (Amanda) McCormack; his grandchildren Aidan, Claire, Mason, and Leah; his siblings Richard, Robert, and Dorothy McCormack; his step-sisters Sharon, Virginia, Cynthia, and Doreen; and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Dylan McCormack, and step-sisters Alice Crotty and Eileen Felicia.
His family would like to thank Dr. Maura Barry, the UVM oncology team, and UVM Hospice staff for their compassion and incredible care for Curt.
Services will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Society (Burlington at 152 Pearl Street, 05401) on October 19 at 2:00. Donations in Curt’s memory may be made to Local Motion in Burlington or UVM hospice.
Guare & Sons, Barber & Lanier Funeral Home
Phone: (802) 223-2751
30 School Street, Montpelier, VT
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