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By Michael V. Cusenza
John Santucci, former Queens district attorney, City Council member, and State senator, died on Sunday on Long Island. He was 85.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my predecessor, John Santucci,” said DA Richard Brown. “John spent his entire career in dedicated service to the people of Queens County, serving as a prosecutor, a member of the City Council and the State Senate, and finally as District Attorney. John’s wife, Edna, and their entire family remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Santucci’s borough roots run deep. The Queens native attended PS 123 in Jamaica and PS 155 in South Ozone Park. An alumnus of John Adams High School in Ozone Park, Santucci also earned degrees from St. John’s University and SJU School of Law.
Santucci was appointed Queens DA by Gov. Hugh Carey in 1976 to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Nicholas Ferrero (Geraldine’s cousin) to the New York Supreme Court. He won the general election in 1977, and was re-elected in 1981, 1985, and 1989. He served as top prosecutor until June 1, 1991, when he resigned. Gov. Mario Cuomo then appointed Brown to the post.
Earlier this month, Brown celebrated 25 years as district attorney.
Prior to his 14 years in the DA’s Office, Santucci represented the 6th District on the City Council for four years, and the 10th and 11th districts in the State Senate for a combined eight years.
Santucci is survived by his wife, Edna, six children, two brothers, and 12 grandchildren.
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
