Rudy Damonti, former Parks & Rec Commissioner, Passes Away

Longtime Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Constituent Assistant and Senior Citizen Liaison Rudy Damonti died this morning. Damonti, who just turned 80 on March 8, had been attending town meetings as recently as March 6.

Councilman George Hoehmann said Damonti, a Korean War Veteran, made many contributions to the town. Up until his death, he was the chairman of the Clarkstown Parks Board & Recreation Commission and Constituent Service Coordinator and Senior Citizen Director. 

“He’s been involved with the town well over 30 years in a lot of different capacities,” said Hoehmann. “He’s just been such a tremendously important person in the town for seniors, parks and recreation.” 

Hoehmann said Damonti had been diagnosed with cancer in February, was hospitalized less than two weeks ago and had just entered the Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New City on Tuesday.

Hoehmann recalled Damonti began as the senior citizens director in 2002 after the town’s Housing Advisory Committee received hundreds of comments, many from its older residents.

“Rudy handled a lot of things for seniors - housing issues, helping seniors find affordable housing, navigate town government,” said Hoehmann. “He was unbelievable in that role.”

Visiting hours will be held at Higgins Funeral Home at 321 South Main Street in New City on Monday and Tuesday, March 25 and 26. A mass will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Congers on Wednesday, March 27 with burial at Gethsemane Cemetery in Rockland Lake. He is survived by his wife, Mary Damonti.