Assembly Resolution No. 2114

BY: M. of A. Braunstein

MOURNING the death of Paul Vallone, beloved
lawmaker, devoted family man, and distinguished
member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Paul Vallone was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Paul Vallone, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Services and former City
Councilman, Paul Vallone died on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the age of
56; a renowned New York City leader, his name and photo were in lights
at Citi Field on Monday, January 29, 2024, memorializing his legacy, and
City Hall flags flew at half-mast in his honor; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Queens, New York, Paul Vallone was a beacon
of light in every room he entered; his infectious smile and warm spirit
touched the lives of everyone he encountered; his unwavering love for
his family was evident in every gesture, every word spoken, and every
moment shared; he was a pillar of strength and support, as well as a
constant source of encouragement and guidance to those he held dear; and

WHEREAS, Paul Vallone came from one of the most storied political
families in Queens, with a record of public service stretching back
decades; he was the son of Peter Vallone Sr., the City Council's first
speaker, and the grandson of Charles Vallone Sr., a civil court judge;
Paul's brother, Peter Jr., succeeded his father on the Council before
following in his grandfather's footsteps and joining the civil court
bench; their brother Perry is a consultant with Constantinople and
Vallone; and

WHEREAS, During his three-term, eight-year tenure on the City
Council, Paul Vallone focused on education; early in his career when he
represented northeast Queens, he helped reinstate the New York City
Council Merit Scholarship, also known as the Peter F. Vallone Academic
Scholarship, through which qualified students could receive up to $350
per semester; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he worked to add 4,500 school seats in
District 19, including an upcoming elementary school in Bay Terrace, and
spearheaded a 10-plus-year effort to renovate Bowne Park, which was
completed last spring; and

WHEREAS, Paul Vallone worked tirelessly to find common ground and to
bring people together; throughout his time in office, the blue-collar
community he represented knew they had a fighter from the neighborhood
representing them in City Hall; and

WHEREAS, In that role and as a member of the administration, Paul
Vallone was a committed advocate for veterans, faithfully serving those
who have served our country; and

WHEREAS, Paul Vallone not only carried on his family's immense
legacy of service - he personified and embodied it; he inspired his
colleagues every single day to be better elected officials, however, it
is perhaps his lessons in friendship, family and fatherhood that those
lucky enough to have worked with him will cherish for the rest of time;
Queens is truly a better borough because of Paul; and

WHEREAS, Coming from a musical family, Paul Vallone enjoyed playing
the drums and singing; he also had a well-documented love of Christmas,
and on the 25th day of every month, he was known to countdown how many
months were left until the holiday; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a husband and father; in addition to his
parents, brothers and extended family, Paul Vallone is survived by his
wife, Anna-Marie; son, Charlie; and daughters, Catena and Lea; and

WHEREAS, Paul Vallone's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Paul Vallone leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Paul Vallone, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Paul Vallone.