Following her passing, friends and colleagues mourned Geraldine Ferraro, a trailblazer for women’s rights . . .
Governor Andrew Cuomo:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Geraldine Ferraro. Through her life in the public arena, Geraldine’s accomplishments served as a milestone in our country’s acceptance of equality and diversity. She is proof that a person can make a difference, and make a difference is what Geraldine did throughout her life. She made a difference as a young prosecutor in Queens, as a congressmember, as the first woman and first Italian-American to run for vice-president on a major party line and as a lawyer in private practice. As a role model for women across the world, she demonstrated that glass ceilings can be shattered.
“I had the honor and privilege to work with Geraldine for many years and I learned a great deal about courage and leadership from her. Over the last few years, as Geraldine has struggled with illness, she demonstrated every day what it means to be courageous, to be strong and, no matter what the circumstance, to fight for what you believe. Simply put, our nation is stronger because of her service and our lives are enriched by the lessons she taught us."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:
“Her passing, during this month when our nation and state are celebrating the achievements and the contributions of America’s women leaders, rekindles our memories of Geraldine’s historic run for the Vice Presidency in 1984 and her relentless pursuit of social justice and equity for women, children and all oppressed peoples here and around the world.
The daughter of first-generation immigrants and a former New York City public school teacher,
Geraldine Ferraro possessed a fiery commitment to ensuring that the American Dream remained within the reach of all Americans. She firmly believed that public service gave her the best opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those most in need of justice and security. Clearly, she made the most of her opportunities as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens, and as a member of Congress.
“Tough and ambitious, sharp-minded and compassionate, Geraldine Ferraro was in all respects the quintessential New Yorker and a political icon who paved the way for this and future generations of women leaders. A history maker, Geraldine is a fitting member of the National Women’s Rights Hall of Fame.We are grateful for her leadership and her service to our nation and our state. Geraldine Ferraro will be missed.”
Former Borough President Claire Shulman
“Geraldine was quintessential Queens. She will always be remembered as the first woman to occupy a national role as Vice President of the United States on a major party ticket. She did it with grace, intelligence, and presence and we were all so proud. I was not at that convention as I was recovering from a medical problem but I watched it on TV and shed a tear because Gerry had just paved the way for the rest of us. She, up until the last, at the post office that was named for her, she had such grace and stature. We will miss her.”
Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, President of the Italian American Museum:
"Congresswoman Ferraro will always be remembered in our hearts for the kindness she showed to the average person who crossed her path along the way. On a personal note, I will never forget the kindness she showed by assisting my mother, Katherine Scelsa, in finding her luggage after it had been lost on the trip that they both took with the National Organization of Italian American Women to Italy."
Congressmember Joseph Crowley, the current Representative of portions of Ferraro’s former district: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Many pay tribute to her as a trailblazer in American politics, but we in Queens will also remember her as a determined and tireless advocate for our community. An inspiration to us all, Geraldine Ferraro helped pave the way for our daughters to achieve anything they set their minds to. As the Representative of her former district, I am proud to call Geraldine a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine’s family and I join the entire country in mourning one of America’s great public servants.”
Senator Joseph Addabbo:
“I remember many times witnessing the cooperative efforts and friendship of my father, the late Congressmember Joseph P. Addabbo, and Geraldine, as they dealt with issues concerning their communities and the whole country in Washington, D.C.
“Italian Americans across the city, state and country should be proud of her accomplishments and rise to global prominence. As a champion of women’s rights, may Geraldine Ferraro continue to serve as an inspiration to many for generations to come.”
