Speaker Heastie Statement on Passing of Former Assembly Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues in mourning the death of former Assembly Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari.

Ron was a life-long public servant and veteran of the Vietnam era. He spent his decades-long career in public service as a voice for his Capital Region community, first serving as mayor of Cohoes for 13 years and then as an Assemblymember for the 106^th District for 24 years. In the Assembly, Ron helped to create jobs and bring industry investment into the Capital Region, including the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership and SUNY Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Ron also served as Majority Leader for five years before his retirement and was chair of the Higher Education Committee.

I know firsthand the positive impact Ron had on those around him. When I started in the Assembly, my office was located next to Ron’s, where he became a mentor to me and gave me the guidance I needed to effectively serve my community and the people of New York as an Assemblymember.

Ron never wavered in his commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers in the People’s House, and I know he will be missed. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.