Corona’s Richard Italiano Dead At 59
Richard Italiano, the district manager and former chairperson of Queens Community Board 4 who worked tirelessly for decades to improve the neighborhoods of Corona and Elmhurst, died suddenly last Thursday, Jan. 19, at the age of 59.
The cause of death was not immediately known, according to a spokesperson for Board 4.
A native of Corona, Italiano was a graduate of St. Leo School and Newtown High School in Elmhurst. He gained his first experience in public service at his home parish of St. Leo’s as a coach for St. Leo’s Athletic Association. He would later be named the director of the parish’s Teen Center.
Italiano first became involved with Board 4 as a member of its Youth Services Committee. He was appointed as a full member of the board in 1987.
Eight years following his appointment, Italiano was elected by his fellow members as the new chairperson in 1995. He would remain in that post until 2004 and was hired the following year as the advisory body’s new district manager following the death of Rose Rothchild.
While serving as district manager, Italiano and the board tackled a number of projects and issues affecting their area, including the creation of Elmhurst Park on the former site of the Elmhurst gas tanks. He also campaigned for funding to improve local libraries and sewer systems and spoke out against the proposed creation of a new public school on a narrow stretch of 43rd Avenue in Corona near a local firehouse.
Outside of the community board, Italiano participated in a variety of organizations dedicated to improving not only Corona and Elmhurst, but the entire borough. He served on the Queens Traffic Safety Board, the Queens Traffic Safety Board, the Queens Boulevard Traffic Safety Force, the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Conservancy, the New York Hospital Queens Community Advisory Council, the 110th Precinct Community Council.
The precinct council honored Italiano as its “Person of the Year” during its annual fund-raiser last May.
For a time, Italiano was also a former director of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to his community service, Italiano was also involved in the preservation and promotion of Italian culture and heritage. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Italian Charities of America and a member of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of Queens County.
“Richard’s involvement in community affairs had always been his top priority,” according to a statement issued by Board 4. “Advocating to enhance the quality of life for all the residents of Corona and Elmhurst is his lasting legacy.”
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall remembered Italiano as “a kind and gentle man who was a truly dedicated public servant” who “led with grace, quite effectiveness and a deep desire to make things better for all of us.”
“Communities like Elmhurst, Corona and, indeed, our entire borough and city were made better because of him,” she added.
City Council Member Daniel Dromm remarked that Italiano’s “absence will be felt tremendously by the people of Corona, Corona Heights and Elmhurst to which his unparalleled commitment meant so much.”
“As a selfless leader, Richard leaves an enduring legacy of civic engagement and outstanding public service, and his example will continue to inspire us,” Dromm said. “He will be fondly remembered by those of us who had the great pleasure of knowing him.”
Italiano is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol, his mother, Mary Italiano, two children, Brian Italiano and Cristina Stellmann, and three grandchildren, Brianna, Anthony Richard and Michael Richard.
A wake for Italiano was held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22, at Guida Funeral Home in Corona, and a Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Monday morning, Jan. 23, at St. Leo’s Church in Corona.
