Anthony D'Urso

Anthony D'Urso
Member of the New York Assembly from the 16th District
Assumed office
January 1, 2017
Preceded by Michelle Schimel
Personal details
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Maria D'Urso
Children 4
Website Official website

Anthony 'Tony' D'Urso is the Assembly member for the 16th District of the New York State Assembly. He is a Democrat. The district includes the majority of the town of North Hempstead in Nassau County on Long Island.

Life and career

D'Urso was born and raised in Italy and came to New York City at the age of 21, where he found a job as a member of both the Carpenters and Bricklayers unions. He went to school part-time to further his education, eventually earning a master's from the Pratt Institute. He eventually began work at the New York City Department of Buildings, retiring as an Assistant Commissioner. He also taught at Bronx Community College.[1]

In 1991, D'Urso opted to run for North Hempstead Town Council, and won a term to serve a four-year term. He would run again in 1999, winning yet another term on the Council. He also has been considerably active in global-relief efforts, making trips to Africa, Central America and Haiti following natural disasters and other crises. D'Urso is married with four children and six grandchildren.[2]

New York Assembly

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel announced in early 2016 that she would not seek a sixth term in 2016, following a decade in the Assembly. While the district was considered competitive, Nassau Democrats coalesced behind D'Urso to hold the seat in the Democratic column.[3]

Facing no primary, D'Urso was free to focus on the general election, where he would face Republican Matthew Varvaro. In a good year for Republicans nationally, D'Urso would defeat Varvaro 52% to 48% to take the seat, and was sworn into office on January 1, 2017.[4]

During the Holocaust

During the Holocaust D'urso’s father - Giuseppe - hid about 12 Jewish people from the Nazis at great risk to his own family, saving them from deportation. D'urso - than a five-year-old - was posted as the "lookout. In January 2018 D'urso had the opportunity to meet members of the Sinigallias family in Naples, descendants of the people his father rescued.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "About - D'Urso for Assembly". Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  2. ↑ Vernice, Maura. "Port Resident D'Urso Running For Schimel Seat". Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  3. ↑ "Long Island Assembly races: Focus on two open seats". Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  4. ↑ Bolger, Timothy. "Miller, D'Urso Win Open Assembly Seats on Long Island". Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  5. ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-reunites-with-the-jewish-family-his-father-hid-during-holocaust/
  • official site
New York Assembly
Preceded by
Michelle Schimel		 New York Assembly, 16th District
2017–present		 Incumbent
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