Joseph J. Previte, who grew up in Astoria, passed away on Monday, April 28 of natural causes following a mild stroke. He was 86 years old.
One of the original graduates of Newtown High School, during his youth Previte was friendly with the likes of Tony Bennett and Richard Corbisiero Sr., founder of Riccardo’s By the Bridge catering hall in Astoria. Previte’s father was a garment industry owner, and the younger fondly recalled playing on the beach near the family home on the site of what is now LaGuardia Airport. He graduated from Fordham Law School and followed with service in the Armed Forces during World War II in the Office of Strategic Services. He married Gloria in 1959 and later served as Director of the Long Island City YMCA, Queens Museum of Art and Queens Botanical Gardens, and as Commissioner, President and Legislative Chairman of the New York City Board of Elections. From May 1993 to April 1997, he served as the 30th President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, one of the longest sitting Chamber Presidents.
“He helped to develop and grow the Chamber,” said Al Pennisi, current Chamber President and personal friend of Previte for 25 years.
“It’s a great loss not only to the legal profession, but to Queens at large. He was a very community minded individual; he felt very deeply about Queens County and always wanted to give back. Queens will miss him.”
Previte first joined the Chamber in 1956, and served the organization as director, vice president and the chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Committee. He was a senior partner in the Rego Park law firm of Previte, Farber and Rosen, PC. Most currently, he was an attorney at Pennisi, Daniels & Norelli, LLP.
Previte also served as district governor of Lions Clubs International, vice president and chairman for the board of directors of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and as exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
“Joe spent his career and personal life in service to others,” said Frank Macchio, a long-time friend.
“Joe was a great cook and several times a year he would invite people to his home for a family-style dinner with a cast of Queens’ ‘who’s who.'”
Renowned for his cooking skills, Previte’s famous linguini with white clam sauce was a favorite at the American Cancer Society of Queens’ “Culinary Classic” events.
“I met Joe about 20 years ago – he was twice my age and I couldn’t keep up with him,” said Macchio.
Previte is survived by his wife, two brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his favorite godson. Arrangements were handled by the Papavero Funeral Home in Maspeth, with church services at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery.
