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The Village of Cooperstown celebrated Al Keck’s service at a gathering before the regularly scheduled board meeting on October 27. Pictured from left are: Trustee Joe Membrino, Village Clerk Jenna Utter, Public Works Superintendent Mitch Hotaling, Al Keck, Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Trustee Audrey Porsche, Trustee Cindy Falk and Trustee George Fasanelli. (Photo provided)

Keck Retires After Decades with Cooperstown Village

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
COOPERSTOWN

Albert “Al” Keck has retired from the Village of Cooperstown after having served in several roles, most recently as village assessor. Village officials celebrated his service at a gathering before the regularly scheduled board meeting on October 27.

“The people in the Village of Cooperstown are basically the most good-tempered, intelligent, hardworking people I’ve ever worked with in my life,” Keck, 82, told AllOtsego. “And that’s the truth in every administration. I would say that there were no slackers in any respect.”

Keck got his start with the village in the early 2000s upon the recommendation of a friend who informed him there was an opening for a zoning enforcement officer. With his contracting background, Keck thought it was a good fit. He went on to serve as assessor and watershed inspector. Lucky to have a jurisdiction as small as Cooperstown, Keck said, he would often ride his bike to different properties.

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