Filmmaker and Nyack Resident, Jonathan Demme, 73

by Jen Laird White, Mayor of Nyack
I am so terribly sad to have to share the news that Jonathan Demme died today. While the news media will be reporting the death of a great filmmaker, an Academy Award winner, a prolific and powerful documenter of life, those of us here in Nyack will mourn the loss of one of the most wonderful neighbors a community could ask for.
No one had more love, more commitment and more passion for our community than Jonathan. His support for those who struggle, his joy in helping Nyack flourish, his passion for our lower income community, our LGBTQ community and the rights of all marginalized people were only matched by his love of Nyack itself. We will all miss his walks through our village, his waves as he strolled with the dogs he adored, his presence in our shops, our restaurants, our events and everywhere we went.
We all felt a little burst of pride that this wonderful, and wonderfully talented, person and his extraordinary wife Joanne had chosen to live among us and raise their three children here. But more importantly, we felt overjoyed to know him, in all his powerful optimism, passion and warmth. Most of all we loved him because he was just a great guy. I am proud that he was my friend. I am so delighted that we all had a chance to know him.
We will miss him deeply.

Jen Laird White is the mayor of Nyack, NY.

See also:

• Jonathan Demme On Justin Timberlake Film, 7/10/2016
• Morrison, Demme Benefit for Nyack Library, 10/3/2009
• Camera, Action in Nyack, Piermont and Rockland, 8/2/2011