Former South Nyack Mayor Patricia “Tish” DuBow passed away at age 88 from an Alzheimer’s related illness on August 6.
In May, 2013, Nyack Sketch Log recognized DuBow at the end of her final term of office with a column, and a sketch of the Village Hall where she served as Mayor.
Here’s a look back at her life and some testimonials from when stepped down as a mayor.
Born in Pittsfield, MA, Tish graduated from both the Northfield School (Gill, MA) and Mt. Holyoke College (MA). A teacher of Dance and Physical Education, she taught at various high schools and colleges including Sweet Briar College (VA).
In 1961, she married Gene DuBow, a New Yorker and continued her teaching career at Pearl River H.S. and Manhattanville College and earned an MA in Arts from NYU. She gave birth to a daughter, Reed Ellen. The DuBows moved to the Chicago area in 1970 where daughter, Nicole Dana was born. Tish became interested in Illinois politics and was the local coordinator for a House of Representatives candidate. She also took an interest in taxation and received education in tax preparation.
In 1980 the DuBows moved back to New York (South Nyack) where her interest in government and taxation blossomed. She received an MA in Tax from Pace University, passed the CPA exam and launched herself into a career dealing with international taxation. Her government interest led her to serve on various boards and committees in the Village of South Nyack where she eventually became the mayor, serving in that role for seven years.
Tish was active in the Orangetown Democratic Party and Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, as well as being involved in grass roots efforts with Rockland Green and Friends of The Nyacks for the environment and public green space.
During her tenure, she was active with the Rockland County Conference of Mayors, and a zealous advocate for and protector of her village.
The following testimonials were made on the occasion of her stepping down as Mayor back in 2013:
Former Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee
In working with Tish DuBow, I’ve witnessed firsthand her tireless commitment and dedicated service to the Village of South Nyack. Tish has made her mark on the Village of South Nyack, improving the quality of life and enhancing her community. I have no doubt as Trustee she will continue in that role.
Former Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart
I remember standing side by side with Tish at so many Tappan Zee Bridge and Thruway meetings, nudging each other with our elbows to register our frustration with the usual formulaic responses of bureaucrats putting on a show of gathering public input when they are already convinced they have the right answer. Supporting her calls for a redesigned Thruway exit 10 with allocation of vacant land to community benefit, whether as open space, commercial development or “lid park.”
I think of sitting at her kitchen table talking with Gene DuBow, whose mighty pen has made the letters to the editor page of local papers much more interesting to read so many times. Tish has served well, she will continue to inspire and lead and I’m looking forward to working together during the year to come! Thank you Tish for all you have done for South Nyack, and for Orangetown!
Bill Batson is an activist, artist and writer who lives and sketches in Nyack, NY. Nyack Sketch Log Honors Outgoing South Nyack Mayor Tish DuBow” ©: 2023 Bill Batson.
The Nyack Sketch Log is sponsored by Weld Realty, 4 Park Street, Nyack.
