Skartados in action
NEWBURGH – Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said 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.”
Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison said Skartados was the epitome of a caring official. “Frank cared so much about his district; the people who live there. We are especially grateful to Frank for all of his assistance that he has given to the City of Poughkeepsie,” the mayor said.
Skartados’ Assembly district included the cities of Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Newburgh.
Newburgh Councilman Jonathan Jacobson reflected on Skartados’ life work. “Frank was the embodiment of the American Dream having emigrated here from Greece. He became an educator, a businessman and an incredibly effective public servant.”
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.”
Assemblyman James Skoufis said Skartados was “a true public servant and proud fellow Greek-American. Politics was invented millennia ago in ancient Greece as a noble profession, a calling that Frank embodied each and every day.” Skoufis said Skartados “disregarded the trappings of the office as well as the fundraising and lobbyist circuit in Albany. He was there to serve the people he represented, period.”
“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.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said Skartados “worked hard
for his constituents in what is a very diverse district and was well-liked
by his peers.”
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.
