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Alfonso C. “Al” Stabile, former city councilman and Howard Beach civic leader, died last Saturday of natural causes. He was 68.
Affectionately known to his 32nd Council District constituents as “Big Al,” the Republican Stabile served on the city’s legislative body from 1994 to 2001.
Prior to his life in politics, Stabile was a member of Community Board 10 and vice president of the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, a philanthropic organization that donates regularly to St. Francis Heart Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House.
Stabile, a John Adams High School alum, also cofounded Angel’s On the Bay, a nonprofit organization that donated to area charities and institutions.
A Vietnam veteran, Stabile was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars David O’Connel Post 2264, and an honorary member of the American Legion and the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corp.
Tributes to Stabile and his legacy poured in via email and social media.
“Al Stabile was a passionate and dedicated public servant who always put the community first,” said City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who currently represents the 32nd Council District. “I grew up watching and admiring his career in politics. Al was a great councilman as well as a loyal and loving friend. Our city is a better place today because of him.”
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) said, “Whether as an elected official, community leader or veteran, Al Stabile was a one-of-kind public servant. His years of hard work and dedication helped make our community a better place, both as our city Council Member and through his various philanthropic efforts. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to ‘Big Al’ for everything he did for families in southern Queens and Rockaway. My deepest sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time.”
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who succeeded Stabile in the Council, added, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Al Stabile. Over the years, Al and I had a mutual respect and admiration for each other. He frequently told me how my dad was his ‘political hero’ and I could talk to Al for hours about his own political adventures. Al was proof that the one main requirement to run for an elected office is the desire to help others. I pray for Al’s family during this difficult time.”
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
