Former Queens City Councilman Paul Vallone died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Saturday evening; he was just 56.
Vallone, who was serving as New York City’s Veterans Services deputy commissioner, passed away after suffering a heart attack at his home.
He was rushed to hospital but later died, according to sources close to his family.
Vallonem, who leaves behind his wife and three children, was described as “upbeat” and “happy,” Queens Civic Congress President Warren Schreiber told the Queens Chronicle.
“It’s a big blow to the community,” Schreiber said, recalling Vallonne as a good friend.
Vallone secured more than $40 million in funding for his district, according to the City website.
In a news release, Mayor Eric Adams said:
Adams called Vallone “a true son of Queens; he upheld a family legacy through his service in the New York City Council and with the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services. Throughout his time in office, the blue-collar community he represented knew they had a fighter from the neighborhood representing them in City Hall.”
The Queens borough president, Donovan Richards Jr., said in a news release:
“Paul didn’t just carry on his family’s immense legacy of service — he personified and embodied it.”
“He inspired me every single day to be a better elected official, but it’s his lessons in friendship, family and fatherhood that I will cherish for the rest of time. Queens is a better borough because of Paul.”
Tom Suozzi, a Democrat running for the 3rd Congressional District seat, posted on X:
“Just yesterday, Paul ran a 3-hour phone bank for me,” said the post from Suozzi, who also comes from a political family dynasty.
I am devastated that my good friend, former NYC City Councilman Paul Vallone, died last night suddenly.
— Tom Suozzi (@Tom_Suozzi) January 28, 2024
Just yesterday, Paul ran a 3-hour phone bank for me. When I first ran for Congress in 2016, he was one of my biggest and earliest supporters.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/LoRQFW7TFU
Vallone served on the City Council from 2014 through 2021.
Governor Kathy Hochul wrote:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Vallone this past weekend.”
“Paul was an exemplary public servant, a champion for so many in Queens, and a tireless advocate for New York’s veterans. My heart is with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Vallone this past weekend.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 29, 2024
Paul was an exemplary public servant, a champion for so many in Queens, and a tireless advocate for New York’s veterans. My heart is with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
READ: Top News Anchor, 38, Dies Suddenly from ‘Unknown’ Causes
