Rep. John Palasik, a longtime Milton resident who had represented the town in the Vermont House since 2019, died Tuesday morning. He was 68.
Gov. Phil Scott announced Palasik’s death in a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying the Republican representative “brought his experience and valued perspective to Montpelier, where he always advocated for his community.”
“We will miss his voice and contributions in the State House,” Scott said.
Palasik did not seek reelection this fall, saying earlier this year he wanted to spend more time with his family and especially his young grandson.
Milton town manager Don Turner, who has known Palasik for years, said Palasik was in hospice care at a facility in Colchester before he died.
A graduate of Milton High School, Palasik served in the U.S. Army for six years and the Vermont Army National Guard for another three years, according to a legislative biography. He was a police officer for 37 years, including three decades with the Milton Police Department, and served on Milton Rescue for 16 years. Most recently, he served on the Milton Selectboard.
Turner called Palasik “a great man.”
“He was just a real community servant,” the town manager said. “He gave a lot to the residents of this town, and our state.”