COLONIE- Colonie Democratic chairman Richard Jacobson died suddenly Friday afternoon, according to reports.
Jacobson was elected to the county legislature in 2011. He was an assistant public defender for Albany County for six years. He was 51.
“It’s a sad day in Albany County as we mourn the death of former county legislator and local leader Rich Jacobson. Day or night Rich was always willing to talk and he always provided sound advice and counsel when we were colleagues in the legislature, especially when I was running for county executive in 2011. We are devastated to lose him as are his friends and the people of Colonie. His passing reminds us that are those in our community who strive to make each day count. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family,” Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said in a statement.
Details on Jacobson’s death were not immediately available. Albany County Legislator Christopher Higgins tweeted Friday evening, expressing sorrow over the death.
“Sad to hear of the passing of my former colleague Legislator Rich Jacobson. He was a true public servant in every form,” Higgins said on Twitter.
“He served with dignity, honesty, and integrity,” Frank Commisso, Majority Leader of the Albany County Legislature said about Jacobson. “His dedication to the community was plain to see. He respected all viewpoints. He will certainly be missed and his loss leaves a big void in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”