Dozens of residents from Whitestone and surrounding neighborhoods gathered on Sunday evening for the annual Paul A. Vallone Community Christmas Tree Lighting, honoring the late Council Member Paul A. Vallone.
The Friends of Francis Lewis Park, in partnership with the Landrum School of Performing Arts, hosted the event, which started at 5 p.m. at Francis Lewis Park, 3rd Ave. and 147th St. in Whitestone.
Vallone was a dedicated public servant and a prominent figure in the Queens community. Serving as a Council Member for District 19, his political career was marked by his commitment to local development, community engagement, and his efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in Bayside, Flushing, and surrounding neighborhoods. His untimely death earlier this year at the age of 56 left a lasting impact on the community he served, with many remembering him as a passionate advocate for his neighbors, a devoted family man, and a man who celebrated the values of togetherness and service.
Borough President Donovan Richards, joined by District 19 Council Member Vickie Paladino, paid tribute to Vallone’s impact and reflected on his commitment to bringing people together across party lines.
“This is the season of giving and it’s such an honor to be here. To honor the legacy of Paul Vallone,” Richards said. “A year later, you look at this turnout that’s emblematic of who he was. Everybody together, through life and through death, even Republicans and Democrats. He brought everybody together, and we should all do the work to bring everyone together.”
The event marked the official start of the holiday season, as attendees gathered around the baby blue spruce tree, which Vallone had donated to the Friends of Francis Lewis Park six years ago. The tree, affectionately named “Blue,” holds special significance for those who knew the former Council Member.
“We are proud to host the Paul A. Vallone Community Christmas Tree Lighting tonight at Francis Lewis Park,” said Dorian Colucci Mecir, president of the Friends of Francis Lewis Park. “Kicking off the holiday season with thoughts and memory of our former Council Member and friend Paul A. Vallone, who celebrated Christmas every day of his life. He was a wonderful family man, and we are celebrating his life tonight because there is so much to celebrate about him.”
Mecir also recalled the moment the tree was planted five years ago, with Vallone’s vision of the tree growing alongside the community. “When we planted this tree with him, he said, ‘Let’s plant a tree and let’s watch it grow together as a community.’ He’s watching tonight from up above in heaven.”
AnnaMarie Vallone, widow of the late Council Member, was present with their children to share in the tribute. She expressed deep gratitude for the event and acknowledged the support of the Friends of Francis Lewis Park and the Landrum School of Performing Arts for their involvement in the ceremony.
“We are honored and proud and thankful to Friends of Francis Lewis Park and Landrum School of Performing Arts for being here and putting this beautiful tribute for my husband,” Vallone said. “He would think that it’s very magical, and everyone that knows him knows that he loves Christmas.”
The tree lighting ceremony is a poignant reminder of Vallone’s lasting influence and the joy he brought to the community, with the spirit of Christmas serving as a fitting tribute to his memory. His legacy continues to inspire those who carry on his work in the community, as exemplified by this annual event in his honor.
