Former Queens City Councilman Tom Ognibene Dies at 71

QUEENS — Former Queens City Councilman, Tom Ognibene, died Monday at the age of 71, following a battle with an aggressive form of spinal cancer. 

Ognibene, who lived in Middle Village, worked as an attorney before he was elected to the City Council in 1992.

The Republican politician represented Queens’ 30th District, which includes Middle Village, Glendale, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven, until 2001.

He also served as the Council's minority leader from 1994.

Ognibene, who left behind his wife Margaret and two children, Guy and Eve, unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Michael Bloomberg for mayor in 2005.

In 2008, he also ran again for his old City Council seat in a special election, but lost. Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley currently represents that district.

"He was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for Queens and loved the communities he represented," Rep. Grace Meng said in a statement. "He fought hard for the things in which he believed and helped make our city and borough an even better place to live."

Several elected officials and politicians took to Twitter to express their condolences.

“Former Councilman Tom Ognibene was like a 2nd father to me,” Queens Councilman Eric Ulrich tweeted Monday. “I would not be the man I am today if it were not for his help & guidance #RIP.”

Tom was a giant, literally & figuratively. He left an indelible mark on the lives of so many people & raised the bar for public service #RIP

— Eric Ulrich (@eric_ulrich) October 12, 2015

Former Councilman Tom Ognibene was like a 2nd father to me. I would not be the man I am today if it were not for his help & guidance #RIP

— Eric Ulrich (@eric_ulrich) October 12, 2015

Sad 2 hear abt passing of former Councilman Tom Ognibene. Dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly 4 Queens. Condolences 2 his family.

— Grace Meng (@RepGraceMeng) October 13, 2015

Sad to hear about the passing of former Councilman Tom Ognibene. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. http://t.co/NIKitakJvA

— Senator Jose Peralta (@SenatorPeralta) October 13, 2015

So sorry to hear of the passing of Tom Ognibene. He was clever, funny and passionate. His family are in my prayers.

— Anthony Weiner (@anthonyweiner) October 12, 2015