NARROWSBURG – Edward “Ed” Magilton, chairman of the Sullivan County Conservative Party, died January 31 at his home. 

Magilton had been active in the Conservative Party for many years and was serving as county chairman at the time of his death. He was known locally as a vocal advocate for the party’s independence and a consistent presence in county politics.

Following Magilton’s death, Sullivan County Republican Committee Chairman Robert Doherty issued a statement recognizing Magilton’s role in local political life.

“The passing of a colleague leaves a void not only for their family and friends but in the community at large,” Doherty said. “A voice is silenced. An advocate is lost. And a piece of our community becomes a piece of our history.”

Doherty added that political differences did not diminish the impact of Magilton’s passing. “You don’t have to have seen eye to eye with that colleague, agreed with them about anything from sports to politics and current events, or be friends to experience the loss and subsequent void,” he said. “In a representative republic such as ours, all voices must be heard and acknowledged.”

Gary Muthig, vice chairman of the Sullivan County Conservative Party, said Magilton’s death leaves a significant leadership void within the party. “He’s going to be a hard man to follow,” Muthig said, noting that he will assume the chairmanship following Magilton’s passing.

Muthig said he had known Magilton for about 10 years and described their working relationship as close and collaborative. “We did a lot of things together,” he said. “We had a lot of the same interests.”

As a party leader, Muthig said Magilton remained firmly committed to Conservative Party principles and resisted outside pressure. 

“He stood behind the values of the Conservative Party,” Muthig said. “He wouldn’t let other people get in the way of doing the right thing.”

Muthig also described Magilton as widely liked throughout the community. “When he walked into a room with his smile, everybody else started to smile,” he said.

Sullivan County Democratic Party Chairman Steven Vegliante told the Democrat, “Ed was a friend and a colleague. I wish nothing but comfort for his family and may his memory be a blessing to them every day.” 

In addition to his political involvement, Magilton served as a firefighter. He was a member of the Lava Fire Department before later joining the Narrowsburg Fire Company, where he remained an active member.

Funeral services were held yesterday at Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home in Barryville, followed by a reception at the Narrowsburg Fire House.