New York

Guy Molinari, Staten Island Political Giant, Dies at 89

What to Know

  • Guy Molinari, a former congressman, borough president and influential figure over Staten Island and its Republican politics has passed away
  • In a Facebook post Wednesday monring, the Staten Island Republican Party announced Molinari’s passing at the age of 89
  • The cause of death was not immediately known

Guy Molinari, a former congressman, borough president and influential figure over Staten Island and its Republican politics has died, according to the borough’s Republican party.

In a Facebook post Wednesday morning, the Staten Island Republican Party announced Molinari’s passing at the age of 89.

“Guy was, simply stated, a larger than life figure here on the Island and throughout New York. He was a mentor to dozens of young, eager Republicans who have risen up the ranks over the years. His numerous accomplishments for the people of Staten Island will live on for generations,” Staten Island Republican Party Chairman Brendan T. Lantry said in the Facebook post.

Molinari was born in New York City on Nov. 23, 1928. He graduated from Wagner College and obtained his law degree from New York Law School in 1951, being admitted to the New York bar in 1953.

Molinari served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953, obtaining the rank of sergeant.

Subsequently, he served in the New York State Assembly from 1974 to 1980 and was elected to Congress numerous times — serving from 1981 until his resignation Dec. 31, 1989 to become borough president of Staten Island.

The passing of Molinari’s passing prompted political figures to share their condolences.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Staten Island political giant Guy Molinari, someone who I have known and admired since I was a teenager. Guy was a lion who never shied away from tough issues and wasn’t afraid of ruffling feathers to achieve results for our borough,” said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican, in a statement.

Malliotakis further added that she “will always regard Guy as a source of inspiration as he was someone who stood up against whoever he had to in fighting for what he believed in.”

Frank Morano, chairman of the Richmond County Reform Party, shared similar sentiments in a separate statement.

“While we certainly didn’t always agree and I thought he often went a bit too far in terms of demonizing his political opponents, there will simply never be another like him,” Morano said, referring to Molinari “as Staten Island as they come… tough, independent, smart and a man with a nose for this borough’s fiery brand of populism.”

The cause of death was not immediately known.

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