Queens County Clerk D’Amico dies

Gloria D. D’Amico, Queens County Clerk for the past 19 years and the first woman ever to hold the position, passed on Tuesday, December 21, at home with her family at her side.
D’Amico was diagnosed with cancer in September 2009. She suffered a relapse in April 2010. Despite her deteriorating condition, however, she was able to continue most of her normal activities until late October. Since then, her family has cared for her at home.
“I’ve known Gloria virtually my entire adult life,” said Peter Vallone Sr. “She was a good friend and neighbor, one of the nicest and bravest women I’ve ever met. She was loyal to her family, friends and the Democratic Party, and truly one of the most powerful political women in the State of New York.”
Among her achievements as county clerk, D’Amico was responsible for the complete computerization of the office, overcoming budgetary constraints of the past decade. Under her leadership, Queens became the first county to initiate off-site microfilming of records. In her capacity as Commissioner of Jurors, she relocated the jury commission to the new Civil Court building, where citizens now enjoy up-to-date and juror-friendly facilities.
Most recently, she monitored the final stages of the total renovation and revitalization of the county clerk’s office. Throughout her years of service to the county, D’Amico was noted for her dynamic leadership, her strong moral convictions and her personal warmth.
“She made the office a place to come every day,” said long-time staffer and friend Marie Gentile. “It was filled with fun. She had a sense of humor you can’t imagine. She was more than just a boss; she was a friend to all.”
D’Amico began her political career at the Taminent Regular Democratic Club in Astoria. In 1970, teaming with the late Ralph De Marco, she became a Democratic district leader, later continuing her co-leadership role with State Senator George Onorato.
“She was ready, willing and able at a moment’s notice to assist anyone in need,” said George and wife Athena Onorato. “She was an outgoing person who enjoyed life to the fullest. She will certainly be missed by all who knew her.”
Also in 1970, she went to work for the Queens County Board of Elections; within two years, she ascended to the position of chief clerk. During the nearly 20 years that she served in that capacity, the clerk’s office earned a reputation as the most efficiently run office in the City of New York. One of her most notable achievements was the computerization of the Queens County Board of Elections’ records of one million voters.
In 1978, she became treasurer of the Queens County Democratic Organization, a position she held until she was appointed county clerk. D’Amico was also a New York delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention. In 1984, she was a primary candidate for the 9th Congressional District seat vacated by Geraldine Ferraro. Although she was unsuccessful, D’Amico went on to fully support her colleague Thomas Manton during his tenure as the congressional representative for the district.
“She was a devout and visionary Democrat, she was loyal, intelligent and a good friend,” said former Borough President Claire Shulman. “She was always ready with very astute advice on future happenings in the government. I have a lot of respect for Gloria and I love her as a friend.”
A graduate of the Professional School of Fashion Design, D’Amico worked in the fashion industry until her marriage in 1949. At that time, she gave up her career to take on the role of housewife and mother. Though raising her sons was her priority, her strong leadership abilities were evident through her participation in various civic and youth organizations. A prominent member of her church, Immaculate Conception in Astoria, she became president of the Rosary and Altar Society, as well as president of the booster organization. She chaired numerous fundraising events, providing valuable assistance to the church and its youth. Her interest in the children of the community also led to her serve as a den mother for the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout her life, she continued to support the youth of Astoria, serving for nearly a decade as a member of the board for the Variety Boys & Girls Club, including supporting the annual Hon. Gloria D’Amico Fun Run/Walk, held each September in Astoria Park.
She also served the community as a member of the board of SHAREing & CAREing, a local agency providing multiple forms of support for women with breast cancer. She actively supported the affiliation of Western Queens Hospital with Mount Sinai Hospital, which resulted in improved community health resources at Mount Sinai Queens.
D’Amico was the youngest of six children born to Antoinette Vasquenza and Louis DeMonte. The widow of the late Leonard H. D’Amico (2005), she is survived by her sons, Louis S. (Catherine O’Neill) and Leonard T. (Wendy Mayer); her four grandchildren, Leonard, Michael, Amanda and Lauren; and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Chloe (Leonard).
“Gloria D’Amico was a true leader and an inspiration to us all,” said State Senator-elect Michael Gianaris. “Her guidance and loving assistance undoubtedly helped me become who I am today. She made our community, our city and our state a better place. Her life was dedicated to the service of others. She will be sorely missed.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Farenga & Sons Funeral Home, 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria. Wake will be on Thursday, December 23 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral will be Friday, December 24 at 9:45 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 29th Street and Ditmars Boulevard. Interment to follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery in Flushing.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in D’Amico’s name to the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, 21-12 30th Road
Long Island City, NY 11102; 718-728-0946 or SHAREing and CAREing, 45-02 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria, NY 11105; 718-777-5766.