Frank Padavan, Longtime Queens Senator, Dies at 83
/By Victoria Merlino
Frank Padavan served in the state senate for nearly four decades. Photo courtesy of NYS Senate.
Former Queens State Sen. Frank Padavan, who served in the senate for 37 years, died Monday. He was 83 years old.
Padavan died of a heart attack at New York Presbyterian Hospital, an unnamed source told the New York Daily News.
“Rest peacefully @FrankPadavan you were a champion of the Republican Party and the NYS Senate you will be sorely missed. Our condolences are extended to the Padavan family,” tweeted out the Queens County GOP, confirming his passing.
Padavan represented New York Senate District 11 from 1973 to 2010. The district includes parts of Bayside, Flushing, Murray Hill, Fresh Meadows, College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace. He was known for his conservatism and especially his opposition to gambling, which led him to staunchly oppose expansion of the state lottery.
In 2010, Democrat Tony Avella defeated Padavan for the District 11 seat. Avella was defeated in the Democratic primary for the seat this year by John Liu.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator Frank Padavan. He will be well remembered as someone who fought diligently for Northeast Queens and served our community well,” Avella said in statements.
Other lawmakers also honored Padavan.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former NYS Senator Frank Padavan. Sen. Padavan was a staunch advocate for his NE Queens district and a fighter for the forgotten middle class. Overall, he was an absolute gentleman and raised the bar for public service. RIP Frank,” said Ozone Park Councilmember Eric Ulrich, Queens’ lone Republican councilmember.
“Saddened to hear of the death of former Senator Frank Padavan. He was a truly dedicated public servant who stood up for the issues he felt strongly about. He will always be remembered,” New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said.
Padavan was born in 1934. Before entering politics, Padavan worked as an electrical engineer and spent 30 years as a reservist in the U.S. Army. He also served as deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings for four years before being elected state senator.
He is survived by his children, Scott and Allison.
