By Bill Parry
Former state Sen. George Onorato, who represented western Queens for nearly 30 years, died last Saturday at the age of 86. Onorato served the borough in Albany from 1983 to 2010, as a member of multiple committees, including the task force on Waterfront Development.
“George Onorato will always be part of the fabric of western Queens,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. “He dedicated his long and healthy life serving others and making communities he represented better places to live.”
Gianaris, who succeeded him in District 12, added, “George Onorato served our country, our state and our neighborhoods in a way that made a positive difference in people’s lives. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.”
When he retired, Onorato was the Senate Democrats’ oldest member at 82 years. He had served as the chairman of the Committee on Labor during the Democrats’ time in the majority, advocating for working families, senior citizens and young people, but he ran into opposition in 2009 when he voted “no” on gay marriage.
Onorato graduated from Long Island City High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952.
“The community has lost a beloved leader and friend,” Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) said. “He served our community with distinction and will be remembered by many of us.”
Further details surrounding Onorato’s death were not available. He was laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery at 72-02 Astoria Blvd.
“While serving in the Senate for 27 years, George was a dear friend to members on both sides of the aisle,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Nassau) said. “A lifelong resident of Queens, he was a true advocate for his community and constituents. He will be deeply missed by his friends in the Senate and the residents of Queens.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
