Guy Molinari facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guy Molinari
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| 13th Borough President of Staten Island | |
| In office January 1, 1990 – December 31, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph J. Lamberti |
| Succeeded by | James Molinaro |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – December 31, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | John M. Murphy |
| Succeeded by | Susan Molinari |
| Constituency | 17th district (1981–1983) 14th district (1983–1989) |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 60th district |
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| In office January 1, 1975 – December 31, 1980 |
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| Preceded by | Lucio F. Russo |
| Succeeded by | Robert Straniere |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gaetano Kenneth Molinari
November 23, 1928 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | July 25, 2018 (aged 89) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Marguerite Wing
(m. 1956; died 2008) |
| Children | Susan Molinari |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | Wagner College (BA) New York Law School (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1951–1953 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
Guy V. Molinari (born Gaetano Victor Molinari, November 23, 1928 – July 25, 2018) was an American lawyer and Republican politician from New York City. He was a very important leader for Staten Island, serving in the United States House of Representatives for eight years (1981–1989). After that, he was the borough president of Staten Island for 12 years (1990–2002). His daughter, Susan Molinari, also became a U.S. Representative, following in his footsteps.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Guy Molinari was born in New York City. His father, S. Robert Molinari, was also a politician who served in the New York State Assembly. Guy's mother, Elizabeth Margaret (Majoros), had family from Czechoslovakia.
Guy went to private schools and then graduated from New Dorp High School in Staten Island in 1945. He continued his education at Wagner College on Staten Island, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. He then studied law at New York Law School, getting his law degree in 1951.
After finishing law school, Guy Molinari served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953. He was a Sergeant during the Korean War. After his military service, he became a lawyer in 1953 and started his law practice on Staten Island.
Political Career Highlights
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Guy Molinari began his political career as a Republican member of the New York State Assembly. He served in this role from 1975 to 1980. During this time, he also attended important Republican meetings, like the Republican National Convention in 1980 and 1984.
In 1980, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Staten Island and parts of Manhattan. He won against a politician who had been in office for a long time. In 1982, his district changed to include parts of Brooklyn, and he won reelection again. He served in Congress from January 3, 1981, until December 31, 1989.
Molinari then decided to become the borough president of Staten Island. He resigned from Congress to take on this new role, serving from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2001. His daughter, Susan Molinari, was elected to take his place in the House of Representatives.
During his time as Borough President, Molinari was known for his strong opinions. In 1994, he spoke out about a candidate for New York Attorney General, which caused some controversy. He also ran for Richmond County District Attorney in 1995 but did not win that election.
A Life of Service Book
Guy Molinari wrote a book about his life called A Life of Service. He wrote it with Patricia Feerick-Kossman, who was a former police lieutenant. The book talks about important moments in Molinari's career.
For example, the book shares how Molinari convinced Rudy Giuliani to run for mayor of New York City. It also discusses how Giuliani encouraged Molinari to run for Staten Island's Borough President. A major achievement mentioned in the book is the closing of the Fresh Kills Landfill in 2001, which was once the largest landfill in the world.
Family Life
Guy Molinari's daughter, Susan Molinari, followed in his footsteps and became a member of Congress. She is married to Bill Paxon, who also served in the United States House of Representatives from Buffalo, New York.
Death and Lasting Impact
Guy Molinari passed away on July 25, 2018, at the age of 89, due to pneumonia. He spent his final years in his home in Bay Terrace, Staten Island.
His legacy lives on in several ways. In September 2003, a new Staten Island Ferry boat was named the Guy V. Molinari in his honor. This ferry joined the New York City Department of Transportation fleet in September 2004 and continues to carry people between Staten Island and Manhattan every day.
Additionally, a spaceship in the science fiction novel Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey and its TV show adaptation, The Expanse, was named after Molinari.
Images for kids
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Guy Molinari and his daughter Susan with President Ronald Reagan in 1984
