Timothy J. Palkovic

PLATTSBURGH – Dr. Tim Palkovic a professor of Theater at Plattsburgh State University College from 1971 to 2012 died Monday, February 10, 2025 at CVPH Medical Center. He was 80.
Tim saw the world in terms of staging plays. Teaching was a natural progression of working with others on plays. Plattsburgh State recognized his blending of creative interests and teaching.
Since being hired at Plattsburgh State in 1971 he was instrumental in countless production and teaching projects. Among his most memorable productions were A Midsummer Nights Dream set in the 1960's period with the fairies played as hippies camping in the woods near Washington, DC. His last Plattsburgh State production, The Laramie Project, a docudrama, about the aftermath of a young gay man found murdered and tied to a fence, precipitated the return of the West Borough Baptist Church, a hate group, to the city, shutting down classes with protests and counter protests. His most memorable campus acting role was Luther Billis in South Pacific with Broadway star George Hearn.
Tim continued working on production projects since retirement in 2012. He designed for community theater: The Depot Theater, a professional theater company, and a regional musical premier production of The Art of Living, a locally written musical at the Strand Theater, Plattsburgh. Retirement revived skills, some dormant since college. Among them were 'plein air' painting and figure drawing, and puppetry.
As well as the arts, he was active in local politics serving on the board of the Plattsburgh Citizen's Coalition. This group campaigned to stop the construction of an apartment building on the Durkee Street Parking lot, an established community space. In the process, he promoted candidates for mayor. He also served, over the years, in a number of roles supporting the Kent- Delord house, a local house museum.
Tim is survived by his wife: Laura Palkovic (nee Coombs) of Plattsburgh, NY and children: Antonia Palkovic of Davis, CA, Matt Palkovic and former daughter-in-law, Katie Duquette of Plattsburgh, NY. Their Son and Tim's Grandson: Jackson Palkovic, of Plattsburgh, NY. Mother of Tim's children; Carol Dandrow (M: Chip Dandrow), Plattsburgh, NY. Brothers: Rick Palkovic (M: Jamie Knapp) of Davis CA and Mark Palkovic (M: Tom Shessler) of Zionville, NC. Sister: Carolyn Evans of Bedminster, NJ. Predeceased by parents: Anthony Raymond Palkovic and Claire Marie Palkovic (nee Forthofer) of Oberlin, OH, as well as his nephew, Ilia Evans.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date in the spring.
To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.