POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — James "Jim" Fedorchak, former Dutchess County attorney, died Saturday at age 78. Born in Beacon in 1947, Fedorchak spent nearly his entir
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — James “Jim” Fedorchak, former Dutchess County attorney, died Saturday at age 78. Born in Beacon in 1947, Fedorchak spent nearly his entire life in Dutchess County. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and son, Mark.
Fedorchak graduated from Dutchess Community College in 1967 and went on to earn a history degree from Hartwick College in 1969. He received his law degree from Loyola in 1973 and returned to Dutchess County in 1974, joining the county attorney’s office. He became chief assistant county attorney before leaving in 1979 for private practice. Fedorchak retired from private practice in 2010, when then-County Executive Bill Steinhaus appointed him as Dutchess County attorney.
Fedorchak continued as county attorney under County Executive Marc Molinaro until retiring in 2020. Upon his retirement, Fedorchak called his service “one of the high points of my legal career” and praised Molinaro’s “commitment to integrity and transparency.”
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former County Attorney James Fedorchak,” Molinaro told . “Jim was a trusted counselor and steady hand during my time as County Executive—someone I relied on for his judgment, integrity, and calm in the face of complex challenges. He believed in doing things the right way and was deeply committed to the people and institutions of Dutchess County, including his longtime support of Dutchess Community College. Jim rarely sought the spotlight, but his work quietly shaped the strength and stability of our community. Dutchess County didn’t just have a great attorney—we had a good man who served with purpose.”
Fedorchak’s successor, Caroline Blackburn, mourned his passing. “He led the Dutchess County Attorney’s Office with a deep sense of responsibility. On behalf of all the attorneys at the Law Department, it was an honor to work with him and learn from him. We will all remember him for his sharp intelligence, the way he could frame a legal issue, and for his pursuit of justice and the right result for his client. Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and honor a life well spent,” Blackburn said.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino issued a statement Saturday afternoon, acknowledging Fedorchak’s passing. “Jim Fedorchak was a devoted public servant who served the residents of Dutchess County with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. He was a mentor to so many and his positive influence continues on throughout Dutchess County Government. We extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to his family and friends. Jim will be greatly missed.”
Fedorchak was active in the community, serving as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Dutchess and Marist University, president of the Dutchess County SPCA Board of Directors, president of the Beacon Cultural Center Board of Directors, member of the St. Luke’s Church Vestry, secretary of the City of Poughkeepsie Charter Commission, member of the Stewart Airport Commission and member of Mid-Hudson Trout Unlimited.
An avid fisherman, Fedorchak was named 2010 Sportsman of the Year by the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs for his volunteer work. He was also a past member of the SUNY Dutchess Board of Trustees and served on the DCC Foundation Board of Directors.
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