The evening of January 27 saw the untimely passing of former Queens city councilman Paul Vallone (D-19), who had currently been serving as New York City’s Veterans Services Deputy Commissioner. Vallone suffered a heart attack at his home last Saturday evening, and was rushed to a Flushing hospital. His death was felt by many city public officials -- all of whom uniformly admired the married father of three who effectively served on the City Council between 2014 to 2021. Vallone was 56.
“The news of our friend Paul Vallone fills us with profound sorrow. Paul was not just an exemplary public servant, marked by his diligence and commitment, but an incredibly devoted family man,” wrote the Queens Civic Congress in a statement. “Vallone was an extraordinary individual whose memory will be fondly remembered and deeply cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. [QCC] extends its condolences to the entire Vallone family.”
In addition to many educational initiatives, one of Vallone’s many community accomplishments included the renovation of Bowne Park (between 155th and 159 Streets in Flushing) after 10-plus years of planning. It was finally completed last spring, in large part by his stewardship.
Warren Schreiber, president of QCC, described himself as a good friend of Vallone. “It’s a big blow to the community,” said Schreiber. “[He] was truly a remarkable individual whose memory will be cherished by all who knew him.”
‘’Paul was an unfailingly kind-hearted and gracious,” tweeted Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “He had an upbeat manner -- an infectious optimism -- that would bring out the best in every person he met. My heart goes out to Paul’s family for their unimaginable loss.”
Paul Vallone, son of Peter Vallone Sr., who served as the City Council’s first speaker, made education his top focus during his three-term administrations. He was also the grandson of Charles Vallone Sr., who served as a former civil court judge. Vallone sponsored nearly 800 pieces of legislation, including 128 in which he was the primary sponsor. He also fundraised around $40 million for funding in his district.
“Throughout his time in office, the blue-collar community he represented knew they had a fighter from the neighborhood representing them in City Hall,” wrote Mayor Eric Adams’ office in a public statement. “In that role and as a member of our administration, he was a committed advocate for veterans — serving those who have served our country. It was an honor to serve alongside him, and I know New Yorkers will join me in keeping the Vallone family in your hearts today.”
A friend to the Jewish community, Vallone made a mission trip to Israel in early 2017 with the delegation of the New York City Council. The mission trip was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federations of North America. ‘’We are faced with a hard truth, as locally and across the country our Jewish brothers and sisters, their places of worship, community centers, cemeteries and homes, increasingly suffer some form of anti-Semitic attack,” Vallone caustically wrote at the time. During his visit to the Jewish state, Vallone visited many sites, including Yad Vashem (where he also remarked, “The history of the atrocities committed upon the Jewish people during the Holocaust must be preserved for future generations, so that it will never be forgotten”), Jerusalem’s Old City, and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. ‘’[The Jewish people’s] spirit, pride, strength and faith will be with me and my family forever. Shalom, Israel,” said an impressed Vallone.
“Paul didn’t just carry on his family’s immense legacy of service — he personified and embodied it... I am a better person for having had the privilege of calling him a colleague and a friend,’’ said Borough President Donovan Richards, who also served with Vallone in the City Council.
In addition to his parents and brothers, Paul Vallone is survived by his wife, Anna-Marie, son Charlie and daughters Catena and Lea.
By Jared Feldschreiber
