Jeffrey W.

Ferguson

Queensbury - Jeffrey L. Ferguson passed away following a long illness, which he faced with remarkable courage, strength and dignity. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, respected attorney and longtime public servant, Jeff lived a life defined by integrity, compassion, intelligence and an unwavering commitment to others.

Jeff was a man of exceptional character, guided by a strong moral compass. Although his professional life was devoted to law enforcement and the practice of law, those who knew him best will remember him for something even more meaningful: his extraordinary kindness and genuine interest in people. He had a rare ability to make everyone he encountered feel important, valued and heard. People instinctively felt comfortable confiding in him, knowing they would be met with compassion rather than judgment.

Jeff possessed a wonderfully dry and clever sense of humor. He understood that humor helps us cope with some of life's most difficult challenges, and he used that ability to bring comfort to friends, colleagues and family.

A lifelong student with a deep appreciation for education, Jeff attended some of New York's finest academic institutions. He graduated in 1971 from Chaminade High School in Mineola, Long Island. He went on to attend Fordham University in the Bronx before completing his bachelor's degree at Stony Brook University. While working full-time as a police officer, Jeff pursued his legal education in the evenings at New York Law School, earning his Juris Doctor degree and graduating cum laude in June 1982.

Jeff worked with future Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes in a newly established undercover operation investigating welfare fraud within the medical profession. Following law school, he held several positions in private practice before returning to public service and rejoining Charles Hynes as a prosecutor in his office. Jeff steadily advanced through the ranks of the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, ultimately serving as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Rackets Division. His career was marked by dedication, intelligence and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. In 2012, he achieved the distinction of being admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

In addition to his demanding career as a prosecutor, Jeff shared his knowledge and experience with the next generation of attorneys, serving as an adjunct professor of law and teaching third-year law students the intricacies of trial preparation. Jeff officially retired from the Kings County DA’s Office in 2014, but retirement did little to diminish his desire to practice law and serve others. He continued as a private practitioner in Rockaway, New York, and in 2022 joined the Warren County Public Defender's Office. Most recently, he served as a Special Prosecutor for Essex County, continuing to contribute his considerable experience and knowledge to the pursuit of justice and the service of his community.

Born and raised downstate, Jeff had a special, lifelong connection to the Adirondacks. Growing up, he and his family spent their summers in Chestertown, creating memories and permanent friendships. It was there, on September 5, 2005, that Jeff married Barbara Plattner in a beautiful ceremony on the beach at Loon Lake. Together, they made their home in Warren County, embracing the community and lifestyle that had long held a unique place in Jeff's heart.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Arthur H. Ferguson and Alice Leary Ferguson; his sisters, Jana Ferguson and Susan Ferguson; his son, Conor Ferguson; and his great-nephew, Christian Ferguson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ferguson; his daughter, Erin Brooks and her husband, Michael; his son, Michael Ferguson and his wife, Lauren; his stepsons, Rene Plattner and his wife, Oxana and Zachary Plattner; and his six cherished grandchildren, Ariana Theinert, Sophia Plattner, Austin Brooks, Rylee Brooks, Valentina Plattner and Lily Plattner; and his brother, Hank Ferguson and his wife, Kathleen and their daughter, Kara.

While Jeff's professional accomplishments were many, his greatest legacy will not be measured by the positions he held, his skill in the courtroom or the honors he received. It will live on in the countless people who felt understood, encouraged and valued because they knew him. He was a man who combined strength with gentleness, intelligence with humility, and a deep sense of justice with an equally deep capacity for compassion. Jeff will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all those fortunate enough to have known him. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, compassion, and a life well lived.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, November 16, 2026, 3:00pm – 5:00pm and/ or 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St, Queensbury, NY 12804.

Visitation will continue Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 10:00am with a funeral home service at 11:00am, Father Scott officiating.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.