State Senator Leonard Stavisky, Dead At 73

A true Queens political legend passed away this week with the death of State Senator Leonard Price Stavisky at the age of 73.
The longest serving Democrat in the State legislature, Stavisky died on Saturday at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens from complications arriving from a cerebral hemorrhage.
Stavisky, a resident of Whitestone, was a driving force on the Borough’s political, civic and educational scene for over 35 years.
A New York City native, Stavisky began his career in public service in city government. Among other posts, he served as deputy to the President of the city Council and as Acting President of the council while serving on the Board of Estimate. Between 1972 and 1977, he was appointed Commissioner on the State Charter Revision Commission for New York City, the panel that drafted the City’s new constitution.
Dr. Stavisky was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1965, where he served until his election to the New York State Senate in 1983. A university professor by background, with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and administration, Stavisky quickly became known as one of the State’s leading experts and advocates on educational issues. While in the Assembly, he chaired the Education Committee for more than eight years.
Stavisky held three earned degrees: a bachelor of Science from CCNY, and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the Graduate Faculty of Political Science of Columbia University.
Stavisky is survived by his wife, the former Toby Ann Goldhaar, and their son, Evan.
Funeral services were to be held on June 23 at the Sinai Chapel in Flushing.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Senator Stavisky may be made to the North Flushing Senior Center. The address is 29-09 137 St., Flushing, NY 11354.
A host of the borough’s political and civic leadership paid tribute to Stavisky’s memory:
Queens Borough President Claire Shulman said, "Senator Stavisky was a great legislator who fought many years for the interests of the people in his Queens district. He was a good government advocate who will be sorely missed. His death is a personal loss for his family and colleagues in government and a great loss for the people he so ably represented."
Senate Democratic Leader Martin Connor said, "Having served with Leonard in the Senate for more than 15 years, I will greatly miss his intellect, his humor and his passion for public service. It has been a great honor and pleasure to know him."
State Senator George Onorato of Astoria said, "We were elected at the same special election in 1983 and I considered him my very dear friend and mentor. We sat next to one another in the Senate, and I often relied on Leonard’s vast legislative experience to advise me on the protocol of legislative procedures. He was one of the strongest supporters of education and social justice and he will be greatly missed by his constituents and his fellow legislators. I consider his passing a deep personal loss and I will miss him very much."
Queens Assistant Park Commissioner Estelle Cooper said, "I knew Leonard for many years and will always remember him with fond memories. I will miss seeing his smile."