Political Leader Tom Manton Dies At 73
BY JOHN TOSCANO

Thomas J. Manton, who passed away last Saturday at age 73, was a consummate gentlemen in both his personal llife as well as his public and political career, which spanned half a century. Manton started out as a New York City cop, went on to become a City Councilmember, a Congressmember and, finally, for the last 20 years, Queens Democratic Party chairman.

When the rigors of his political role demanded it, the soft-spoken party boss with the easy smile didn't hesitate to make hard, honest decisions even when they adversely involved longtime, very close friends.

This opinion was shared by many who knew him, including this reporter, who interacted with and observed Manton's relationship with colleagues at City Hall throughout his tenure there from 1970 through 1984 and on numerous other occasions, including every primary and general election at Democratic county headquarters in Forest Hills.

Mary Lou Plunkett and her daughter, Jamie, who worked for the party in Forest Hills formed their opinion of Manton from knowing him closeup for more than 35 years, including his 20-year reign as Democratic county leader, were of the same opinion.

Gazette photo During his campaign for Congress Manton waves as his Washington Express makes its way on 21st Street. in Astoria in August 1984.

Jamie Plunkett and her mother said that Manton was a father figure who treated the teenage volunteers as well as the old-time district leaders graciously."

Jamie Plunkett added: "In all the time I worked with him, I never saw him break his word, utter a cross word, ask for special treatment. He as a perfect gentleman who asked for very little for himself. When tough decisions had to be made, we would say, 'Tom has broad shoulders', and he did."

The Plunketts said this was the general opinion of Manton, from Michael Reich, the executive secretary of the organization and the man closest to Manton during his party leadership period to the rest of the headquarters staff.

Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian paid tribute to Manton as well. "Manton was a true friend over the years and always had the good of the borough foremost in mind, whether in public office or in politics," he said.

Pictured below ca. 1984 at a political bash are from l. to r., sons John and Tom, a friend of the family, Mayor Ed Koch, wife Diane and Manton.

Manton didn't succeed in politics on his congenial personality alone. He did it on his effectiveness as a politician, keeping the heavily Democratic borough loyal to the organization and unerringly re-electing Democrats year after year.

Manton also showed his extensive political prowess by using his party's power to win a high percentage of committee chairmanships in the city council under incumbent Council Speaker Christine Quinn and her predecessor, Gifford Miller.

He was accused by rival county leaders of "playing too much politics with the city government," but it appeared he was only playing the game better than they did.

Manton received glowing accolades from numerous Democrats and even one prominent Republican-Mayor Michael Bloomberg-upon his passing.

Bloomberg, who publicly announced Manton's death at a press conference Sunday morning in Astoria while discussing the area's power blackout, recalled that he had reached out to Manton a number of times when he first toyed with the idea of entering public service.

Manton was proud to serve as Grand Marshal of a St. Patrick's Day parade. Here he approaches John Cardinal O'Connor in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

He said Manton regaled him with stories of what politics in New York City was really all about as they lunched in an Italian restaurant.

Calling Manton "a classy guy", Bloomberg concluded, "He really did leave the city better than he found it, on a number of levels, and even up through three months ago, was giving me advice."

Councilmember James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), said: "He was a kind, sweet, gentle man, the likes of which politics rarely sees. His passing is a profound personal loss for all who were blessed to know him."

With Manton's death speculation followed as to who would succeed him. The consensus was, as in the recent past, that it would be his closest political ally, and his hand-picked successor, Congressmember Joseph Crowley (D-Queens/The Bronx).

Cowley declined to address the subject so soon after Manton's death. The 44-yearold lawmaker from Elmhurst told reporters: "My great friend has just passed and I'm not going to entertain any questions about what the future of the party is. What I can say is that Tom Manton has left this party in the best condition it could possibly be left in. His death is a tragedy, not only for Queens but for the country and the city, too."

State Senator George Onorato (D-Astoria), who also served as a district leader under Manton, struck a similar note as the mayor. "Manton's one overriding goal was to make Queens a better place for all of us," he declared.

Onorato stated that in all his legislative and political roles, "Tom woke up each morning and went to bed each night thinking about how he could best serve the people of the borough that was his home all of his life and that he loved so well."

Congressmember Carolyn Maloney (D-Queens/Manhattan) noted that she and Manton were colleagues both in the New York City Council and the Queens delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a tribute to Manton Maloney intended to deliver on the House floor later this week, she noted: "Indeed, Tom Manton was the personification of the American Dream. The son of immigrants from the Irish countryside, Tom Manton was born and raised a New Yorker. After serving with honor and distinction in the United States Marine Corps, Tom Manton put himself through college and law school while serving proudly as an officer of the New York Police Department.

"He was recognized by his community in Western Queens for his outstanding leadership abilities when his neighbors chose him to represent them on the New York City Council from 1970 to 1984. I was proud to call myself a colleague of Tom Manton on the council. It was on that legislative body that I learned to appreciate his quiet, firm, steady powers of persuasion and conciliation, the true hallmarks of leadership in a democratic society.

"I was privileged, as well, to call Tom Manton a colleague in the halls of the United States Congress. No member of this House was ever more dedicated to serving the needs of his constituents.

"Tom Manton played a crucial role in helping forge the peace that prevails in Ireland today through his patient and indefatigable efforts to bring peace to that oncetroubled land.

"But he also embraced Tip O'Neill's maxim that all politics is local, and he lived it, to the everlasting gratitude of the people he represented in Queens and The Bronx.

"When the Long Island Rail Road threatened to build a waste transfer station in Western Queens, Tom Manton led the successful fight to block it.

"When police officers suffered permanent job-related injuries, Tom Manton made sure that they and their families received fitting lifetime compensation.

"But perhaps Tom Manton's most enduring legacy may be forging the most united and effective political party organization in any county in the nation. He accomplished this remarkable achievement in what is probably the most ethnically diverse county in the nation, and he did it with his singular and extraordinary powers of leadership. He was able to convene diverse groups and views and unite them behind common goals and purposes. He showed an unparalleled ability to identify and encourage new leadership and talent from the emerging communities of the city, and to develop and nurture future public servants who were worthy of the responsibilities with which they were entrusted.

"That is truly Tom Manton's greatest legacy: a history of leadership through inclusion, guided by the principles of tolerance and equality."

On Monday, Governor George Pataki said, "Today I join New Yorkers across the state in mourning the loss of former Congressman, New York City Councilman and Queens County Democratic Chairman Thomas Manton. The son of Irish immigrants, Thomas Manton was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1984 and served his Queens constituents tirelessly for seven straight terms until retiring in 1998. Notable among his many accomplishments, Congressman Manton was an integral part in helping to bring together world leaders in their quest for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

"Congressman Manton was a lifelong New Yorker who treasured his service to his city, state and country. Before becoming a successful lawyer and respected congressman, Tom Manton served in the United States Marine Corps as a flight navigator and as an officer in the New York City Police Department. Highly respected and beloved by all he touched as an honest and hardworking public servant, he will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Diane and their four children Catherine, Thomas, John and Jeanne, as well as the rest of the Manton family during these difficult times."

Pataki ordered that flags across New York state be lowered to half-staff on Friday, July 28 in recognition of Manton's service to the people of the state. City officials had directed that flags on municipal buildings be flown at half-staff starting on Monday and going through Friday as well.

Among others commenting on Manton's death, state Senator John Sabini (D-Jackson Heights) stated, "Tom Manton was a Democratic chair who opened up the party to new opportunities for women, African Americans, Hispanics and Asians. He leaves the legacy of a diverse roster of Democratic officials."

Sabini served very briefly as Queens Democratic chairman following Donald Manes' death and Manton's election as his permanent successor.

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) declared, "The party organization has been one of the most unified in the state of New York and has been very inclusive of the diverse population of Queens."

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said she would "never forget his support for me during my campaigns" for elective office.

"He helped me become the first minority and the second woman to attain this current post. It was his idea to designate atlarge [Democratic] district leaders," she said, "and he played a significant role in campaigns that elected Hispanics to public offices."

She characterized Manton as "conciliatory and statesman like" and "a gentle man and an effective leader for all the people of our borough."

Assemblymember Brian McLaughlin (D-Flushing), who's also a labor leader, said in a statement, "Today, the labor community of New York City mourns the passing of a good friend. Tom Manton had a long and distinguished record of leadership in our communities, and we will always be grateful for his untiring commitment to the interests of our working families and retirees. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."

Manton died last Saturday evening following a brief stay in Calvary Hospital in The Bronx. His family did not reveal the cause of death. He had been ill for several months, according to reports.

Manton was born in Manhattan on Nov. 3, 1932, the only son of Irish immigrant parents who soon after moved the family to Astoria, where he lived, and raised his family until his death. He attended St. Joseph's School in Astoria and St. John's Preparatory School in Brooklyn. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Marines during the Korean War, serving as a flight navigator until his discharge in 1953.

He became a New York City police officer in 1955, walking a beat in Harlem, while attending night sessions at St. John's University in Jamaica Estates, from which he graduated in 1958. Two years later he quit the Police Department and in 1962 received a law degree from St. John's University.

Manton then took a job as a salesman with IBM, at the same time getting involved in local politics in Woodside and Sunnyside. In 1969, he ran for public office for the first time. He was elected to the city council in 1970, representing a Woodside/Sunnyside district.

In 1972 and 1978, he entered and lost Democratic primaries in the same area. On the latter occasion, he was a strong favorite to win, but ran into a political newcomer, Geraldine Ferraro, who upset Manton in the primary and went on to defeat Republican Alfred Delli Bori in the general election, another upset.

When Ferraro, after three terms, left Congress to run for vice president of the United States, Manton ran for the vacated seat and finally became a Congressmember. He held the seat until 1998.

When he decided to retire, he did so at a time when no primary could be held to replace him. Instead, his Committee on Vacancies chose Joseph Crowley to be his hand-picked replacement. This caused a schism in the Queens organization as Manton's erstwhile close friend and political ally, Councilmember Walter McCaffrey, also wanted to succeed Manton. However, McCaffrey bit the bullet and followed Manton's plan to support Crowley for the post.

Meanwhile, Manton had been elected chairman of the Queens Democratic organization following Donald Manes' suicide in early 1986. He held the position until last Saturday.

The Dems will have to replace Manton quickly, since the political calendar is moving forward and the primary elections are scheduled for September 12, with the general elections following in November.

Manton is survived by his wife, Diane, a retired nurse, and their four children: Cathy Manton Laurent of Schenectady; Thomas K. Manton of London, England; John T. Manton of Woodside, and Jeanne Manton of Astoria. Four grandchildren also survive him.

Manton's wake will be at the Lynch Funeral Home, at 43-07 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside today and tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Woodside at 11 a.m. on Friday. Burial at Calvary Cemetery on Queens Boulevard in Woodside will follow.