Advertisement. Advertise with us

In Memoriam

Douglas C. Plummer
1960-2023

DOUGLAS C. PLUMMER
(Photo Provided)

SHARON SPRINGS—Douglas Cameron Plummer, a resident of Sharon Springs, New York since 1992 and previously of Manhattan since 1983, died on Thursday, December 14, 2023 in the comfort of his home. He was 63.

Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on September 3, 1960, he was the son of Lawrence L. Plummer, who survives, and the late Elizabeth (Jones) Plummer.

Doug grew up in Fairview Village, Pennsylvania, and graduated president of his class in 1978 from Methacton High School. Subsequently, in 1982, Doug earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. While enrolled at the college, he spent a year studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he kindled his interest in his Scottish roots, a connection that lasted a lifetime.

After New England College, Doug moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in theater. During this time, he met the love of his life, Garth Roberts.

Eventually, Doug would move to Sharon Springs in 1992 and open a café in the village with Garth. The Rockville Café (1993-2001) provided the foundation for their next business, a restoration of the abandoned 149-year-old American Hotel. The nine-room boutique style hotel and restaurant opened in 2001 and was an instant success. The hotel won three prestigious awards including the Excellence in Historic Preservation (Preservation League of NYS), the NYS Historic Preservation Award (Commissioner’s Private Sector Achievement Award), and the 2002 Historic Preservation Award for Rehabilitation (National Trust for Historic Preservation). The American Hotel also hosted Rachael Ray’s “40 Dollars a Day” and stimulated other development in the village. The café, and later the hotel, became the heartbeat of Sharon Springs. Ever the consummate host, Doug welcomed many people to Sharon Springs. Working the front of the house, he could turn strangers into fast friends with his storytelling, wit and robust enthusiasm.

He loved his community and was dedicated to serving, volunteering, and cultivating local projects. He served on the Sharon Springs Village Board as trustee for eight years and then as mayor from 2013 until his death. As mayor, Doug spearheaded the effort to identify and pursue funding sources to upgrade and modernize village infrastructure. As a mayor and officiant, Doug united people in marriage. Locally, he was active in the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Sharon Historical Society, SEEC Advisory Board, and was a founding member of the former Sharon Springs Citizens Council of the Arts. He and Garth Roberts were part of the purchase of the neglected and underutilized Klinkhart Hall and facilitated the creation of the non-profit Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Inc., now on the cusp of a multi-million-dollar restoration. 

Survivors include his husband, Garth Roberts; his father, Lawrence Plummer; his step-mother, Prudence Churchill; his mother-in-law, Caroline Roberts; a sister, Melissa (Todd) Plummer-Trice; a brother, Lawrence (Karen) L. Plummer Jr.; a brother-in-law, John Roberts; a sister-in-law, Kate Roberts; seven nieces, Skyler Coelho, Elizabeth Swank, Maxine Young, Abigail Plummer; Jessica Roberts, Mary (Wayne) Jennings, and Carrie Roberts; seven nephews, James Trice, Rex Trice, Colin (Crissy) Roberts, David (Danielle) Roberts, Dylan Roberts, Zachary Bittner, and Joshua (Stephanie) Bittner; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth, in 1981; and a brother, Thomas, in 1974.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Inc., PO Box 101, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.

Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Articles

In Memoriam Ronald G. Peters May 28, 1944-February 01, 2023

In Memoriam Ronald G. Peters May 28, 1944-February 01, 2023 ONEONTA—Ronald G. Peters, 78, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 1, 2023. Ron was born on May 28, 1944 to William J. and Evelyn M. Peters in NYC. He attended Great Neck High School, where he acquired a band of lifelong friends and graduated in the Class of 1962. He spent the summer after graduation on the Hospital Ship SS Hope on its mission to Peru. He was so interested in this that he continued on these missions in summers during college. The mission to Ecuador brought many stories that he…

In Memoriam: Virginia L. Stocking

In Memoriam Virginia L. Stocking December 2, 1922-May 17, 2023 SPRINGFIELD CENTER—Virginia L. Stocking, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on May 17, 2023 at the age of 100.  Virginia was born in Cooperstown on December 2, 1922 to Earl and Catherine Richards. She spent most of her childhood in East Springfield and graduated from Springfield Central School in June of 1940. She married Glenn C. Stocking on April 9, 1944. Virginia and Glenn devoted their lives to each other and to their family.  In addition to spending time with her family, Virginia enjoyed playing the organ,…

In Memoriam Gerold D. Hill 1945-2023

In Memoriam Gerold D. Hill 1945-2023 FREDERICKSBURG, VA—Gerold D. Hill, 78, of Homosassa, Florida and formerly of Portlandville, New York, passed away on April 15, 2023 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Gerold served for 30 years in the United States Navy. He was a retired chief petty officer and served in Vietnam. He was the owner/operator of Jerry’s Bait-n-Tackle from 1988 to 2008. Gerold enjoyed spending his time with family, hunting and fishing.…