(Source: Former Senate photo)
Feb. 23, 2015 By Christian Murray
George Onorato, who represented western Queens in the state senate for nearly 30 years, passed away on Saturday. He was 86.
Onorato, a Democrat, served in office from 1983 through 2010, before stepping down and making way for Mike Gianaris, the present state senator.
At the time he retired, he was the Senate Democrats’ oldest member at 82 years. He created some controversy toward the end of career when he voted “no” on gay marriage—at a time when other Queens state senators were for it.
However, he was best known for his dedication to the district– which covers Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City and Astoria.
“George Onorato will always be part of the fabric of western Queens,” said State Sen Mike Gianaris. “He dedicated his long and happy life to serving others and making the communities he represented better places to live.”
Onorato attended Long Island City High School and was in the US Army from 1950 to 1952.
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator George Onorato,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. “He served western Queens for many years and was a decent and kind man.”
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