Assemblyman Skartados
MILTON – Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said State Assemblyman
Frank Skartados “leaves a proud legacy as a fighter for the people
he loved and a voice for many who had none.”
Maloney said Skartados, who was born in Greece, “came to America
as a young man, worked to pay his way through school, built a business,
and won election to represent his neighbors in the State House. If that’s
not the American Dream, I don’t know what is.”
State Senator William Larkin said Skartados was “not just a public
servant to me. He was a friend. He was the type of individual who truly
cared about those he represented.” Larkin said when he visited Skartados
in his final weeks, “his thoughts were not about himself and the
illness he was fighting but on the people of our community and the work
that still had to be done to improve the quality of life for Hudson Valley
families.”
State Senator Susan Serino called Skartados a “truly remarkable
advocate and public servant (who was) a strong voice for our local community.”
She said he was a “valuable partner in the legislature fighting
for cases that would directly benefit our local area.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said Skartados was “a shining example
of the classic American immigrant story. A farmer, businessman and civic
leader, he carried his American citizenship with great honor, but equally
proud of his Greek roots.” Cahill said in a district that included
portions of three counties, Skartados “did not show favoritism.
He represented each with equal fervor.”
Cahill said Skartados “leaves behind grateful constituents and mournful
colleagues.”
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said Skartados “always expressed his deep
pride regarding his work in the Assembly and for being a strong advocate
on behalf of the residents he represented.”
“We mourn the loss of a gentleman, pillar of service and fighter
for the people,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
“Always dedicated public servant, his work positively impacted the
lives of those he served.”
Molinaro has directed all Dutchess County Government facility flags to
be lowered to half-staff in honor of Skartados. Flags will remain lowered
until interment.
Newburgh City Councilman Jonathan Jacobson said Skartados was “the
embodiment of the American dream having emigrated here from Greece. He
became an educator, a businessman and an incredibly effective public servant.”
