Obituary of Guy V. Molinari

Guy V. Molinari, age 89, passed away on July 25, 2018.

A child living in a small Midland Beach bungalow who rose to represent his beloved Staten Island as State Assemblyman, Congressman and Borough President, Guy V. Molinari passed away Wednesday following many years of debilitating illness that never stopped him from fighting for causes and candidates to the very end.

Born in Manhattan on November 23, 1928, Guy was one of 5 children of Elizabeth (Majoris) and S. Robert Molinari, an Italian immigrant. The Molinari family moved to Staten Island when Guy was a very small child and he lived there his entire life, except for his combat duty during the Korean War as a U.S. Marine. Throughout his life, the Marine's motto "Semper Fi", always faithful, guided his life.

Guy's beloved wife, Marguerite (Wing) Molinari, passed away in 2008. Their only child, Susan Molinari, a former New York Councilwoman, succeeded her father in the U.S. Congress where she met and then married Congressman Bill Paxon of Buffalo. Together, they have two college age daughters, Susan Ruby and Katherine Mary Paxon who have always been very close to their "Poppy" and were with him in his final days. Though Susan and her family live in Northern Virginia, she and Guy spoke daily and enjoyed an incredibly close bond even by father-daughter standards. "I have always considered it such a blessing and a privilege to be his daughter", said Susan.

In addition to Susan, Bill, Susan Ruby and Katie, Guy is survived by his three sisters and their children. In addition to his parents, Guy was also predeceased by his brother, Robert. Former Congressman Michael Grimm, a dear friend and fellow Marine, was daily with Guy and along with Susan was at his bedside when his final passing arrived.

A graduate of Wagner College and New York Law School, Guy practiced law on Staten Island prior to his elective service. Following his elective career, Guy joined the law firm of Russo, Scamardella and D'Amato, and represented many firefighters, police officers, EMTs and others whose health was impacted by the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He also served on corporate boards of directors, remained active in charitable and political causes, and on a daily basis was visited at his home by many friends and those seeking political counsel.

During his years in public office, Guy V. Molinari's daily objective was to fight for the needs of the people of Staten Island. From closing the Fresh Kills Landfill to removing one way tolls on the Verrazano Bridge to building the Yankees ballpark and so much more, Guy never wavered in standing up for his Borough. His was truly a life well lived.

On the morning of the funeral, the immediate family invites you to meet them at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Staten Island Animal Care Center, 3139 Veterans Road W. Staten Island, NY 10309 in Guy V. Molinari's name.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home Inc. 2508 Victory Blvd. On Saturday, 7/28/18, departing at 9:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church at 10:30 AM. An interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Friday, 7/27/18, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM.