Guy V. Molinari

Guy V. Molinari, a former member of Congress and Staten Island borough president, died July 25 after a lengthy illness. He was 89.

A graduate of Wagner College and New York Law School, Molinari was an attorney before and after his political career. He served as a New York state assemblyman, 1975-1980; congressman, 1981-1989, and Staten Island borough president, 1990-2001.

A Funeral Mass was offered July 28 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Staten Island, with Auxiliary Bishop John O’Hara as celebrant.

Molinari was outspoken in his support for pro-life positions and advocates, even when that position was unpopular.

As borough president, Molinari led the fight to close Fresh Kills landfill in 2001. It is being transformed into 2,200-acre Freshkills Park scheduled to open in the 2030s.

“He loved Staten Island, he loved his country, and he loved his family. He was never afraid to stand up and be heard,” said Msgr. Peter Finn, dean of Staten Island and pastor of Blessed Sacrament on Staten Island, who led a prayer service at Molinari’s wake.

Following his political career, Molinari represented first responders and others who had their health impacted by the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.

“He was a very active borough president and was so determined,” Msgr. Finn said. “He was a tough guy, a good guy and willing to help if he could.”

Born in Manhattan, Molinari served as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War.

His daughter Susan Molinari and her husband, Bill Paxon, both of whom represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives, and granddaughters Susan Ruby and Katherine Mary Paxon survive him. He is also survived by three sisters.

His wife, Marguerite, predeceased him in 2008.

Burial was in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.