To young…

Staten Island Assemblyman Lavelle, 57, Dies After Stroke - News
NEW YORK — State Assemblyman John Lavelle, who worked relentlessly to secure funding for schools and take illegal handguns off the streets, died Wednesday, less than a week after suffering a stroke, state officials said. He was 57.

Lavelle, of Staten Island, collapsed after he gave a speech Jan. 18 to the Young Democrats of Richmond County following the State of the Borough address by borough President James Molinaro.

He had been hospitalized at Richmond University Medical Center. His 58th birthday would have been Friday.

Lavelle, a Democrat, was the borough Democratic Party chairman and was the former chairman of the liberal Staten Island Democratic Association.

In Albany, Lavelle had served in the Democrat-led Assembly since 2001. He had filled the seat vacated by Betty Connelly, who retired after 27 years.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said despite Lavelle’s hard-nosed approach to politics he had a big heart.

“He served his beloved Staten Island community with passion, enthusiasm and dedication. He embodied the true spirit of public service,” Silver said in a statement. “John Lavelle’s advocacy improved public education, ensured the accessibility of affordable health care, eased the struggle of those fighting addiction and enhanced the quality of life for Staten Island’s working families.”

There will be no Assembly session on Monday out of respect for Lavelle.