Obituary: Reginald LaFayette, Longtime Civic Leader

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Hon. Reginald A. LaFayette, a longtime leader in the civic life of Westchester County, died Saturday at the age of 69.

The news shocked County Legislator Terry Clements, chair of the Black Democrats of Westchester. "Reggie was not only a friend, but a powerful figure in Westchester. Reggie was tough, hard-working, dedicated and passionate and I am going to miss my friend deeply."

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. LaFayette moved to Mount Vernon in 1972, according to his bio at the Westchester-Rockland Guardians Association, which honored him in 2002. His involvement in the community began that year, when he became a Democratic district leader.

He held a number of civic offices in Mount Vernon in addition to serving as in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a deputy comptroller and as City Clerk:

• Democratic Chairman of the City of Mount Vernon
• Member of the Westchester County Democratic Executive Committee
• Former New York State Committeeman, 84th AD
• Member of Black Democrats of Westchester
• Former Member of the United States Selective Service Board No. 104
• Former Member of the Mount Vernon Postal Service Board
• Former Executive Vice-President of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the NAACP
• Former Treasurer of the Independent Citizen’s League
• Former Member, Board of Directors of the Mount Vernon Day Care Center
• Former President of the Mount Vernon Lion’s Club
• Former Member, Board of Directors of the Westchester Opportunity Program

He was a member of the Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, Progressive Lodge No. 64, F&AM, Prince Hall Affiliation and a member of Terrace City Lodge #1499 I.B.P.O.E. of W. Among his many awards, on Jan. 17, 2000, the United Black Clergy of Westchester presented him with the Martin Luther King Service Award.

Mount Vernon is mourning his loss, said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. "His work has stretched over decades and paved the way for so many people in this community. My heart and love goes out to his family at this time."

Lafayette was chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee from 2004-2020.

"Reggie had a long and distinguished career as a public servant," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. "He was politically brilliant, and it is without doubt that no person did more to bring diversity to City and County government than Reggie. He was insightful and tempered; he was my friend for nearly 50 years starting when we were both young men in Mt. Vernon – where we both first became active in the community. We shared meals, advice and even coached a little league team together ... I grieve with his children, his many friends and colleagues."

He was the longtime Democratic commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections.

"In an era of intense partisanship, Reggie had close friends in all political parties who mourn this loss," said Republican Elections Commissioner Doug Colety.

Ken Jenkins, Westchester’s Deputy County Executive, called LaFayette's death "a tremendous loss" to everyone in the state of New York. "Reggie’s public service was exemplary as well as his dedication to ensuring that people of color and women were elected at every level of government."