Honoring Jan Pashley: A Lifelong Advocate for Education and Community.
OSWEGO, NY – Jan H. Pashley, who passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 73, left behind a powerful legacy of service, education, and community spirit. Among his many contributions, his dedication to the “Dictionary Project” stands as a shining example of how one individual can make a lasting impact on young lives.
Jan, a longtime member of the Oswego Elks’ Lodge 271 since 1986, was instrumental in bringing the national “Dictionary Project” to Oswego’s third graders. For more than a decade, he visited elementary schools including Kingsford Park, Charles E. Riley, Frederick Leighton, Fitzhugh Park, and Minetto to hand out hundreds of dictionaries each year. Nearly 400 students annually benefited from this initiative, gaining a vital learning tool to improve vocabulary, writing, and comprehension skills.
“The excitement on the students’ faces each year reminded us why this project matters,” Jan once said. “It’s a great resource and a meaningful way to support education in our schools.”
Beyond the Dictionary Project, Jan held several leadership roles within the Elks, including Past Exalted Ruler, Past District Deputy, NYS Elks Youth Chairman, and NYS Elks Major Projects Chairman. He was known for his generosity, enthusiasm for education, and commitment to uplifting his community.
Jan will be deeply missed, not only by his family and friends but also by the hundreds of children whose lives were touched by his efforts. Through every dictionary handed out, his legacy continues.
In his memory, the Oswego Elks’ Lodge remains committed to continuing the work he so passionately led.
Jan, a longtime member of the Oswego Elks’ Lodge 271 since 1986, was instrumental in bringing the national “Dictionary Project” to Oswego’s third graders. For more than a decade, he visited elementary schools including Kingsford Park, Charles E. Riley, Frederick Leighton, Fitzhugh Park, and Minetto to hand out hundreds of dictionaries each year. Nearly 400 students annually benefited from this initiative, gaining a vital learning tool to improve vocabulary, writing, and comprehension skills.
“The excitement on the students’ faces each year reminded us why this project matters,” Jan once said. “It’s a great resource and a meaningful way to support education in our schools.”
Beyond the Dictionary Project, Jan held several leadership roles within the Elks, including Past Exalted Ruler, Past District Deputy, NYS Elks Youth Chairman, and NYS Elks Major Projects Chairman. He was known for his generosity, enthusiasm for education, and commitment to uplifting his community.
Jan will be deeply missed, not only by his family and friends but also by the hundreds of children whose lives were touched by his efforts. Through every dictionary handed out, his legacy continues.
In his memory, the Oswego Elks’ Lodge remains committed to continuing the work he so passionately led.
