Gloria D’Amico and Governor Elect Andrew Cuomo.Gloria D. D’Amico, county clerk for Queens, for the past 19 years and the first woman ever to hold the position, died on Tuesday, December 21, at home with her family at her side.

D’Amico was diagnosed with cancer in September 2009 and suffered a relapse in April 2010. Despite D’Amico’s deteriorating condition, however, she was able to continue most of her normal activities until late October. Since then, her family has cared for her at home. 

Among her achievements as county clerk, D’Amico was responsible for the complete computerization of the office, overcoming budgetary constraints of the past decade. Under her leadership, Queens became the first county to initiate off-site microfilming of records. In her capacity as commissioner of jurors, she relocated the jury commission to the new civil court building, where citizens now enjoy up-to-date and juror-friendly facilities. Most recently, she monitored the final stages of the total renovation and revitalization of the County Clerk’s Office. Throughout her years of service to the county,  D’Amico was noted for her dynamic leadership, her strong moral convictions and her personal warmth.

“Gloria was a longtime friend and colleague in government who served with distinction for almost a generation as County Clerk,” Borough President Helen Marshall said.

“She worked hard to improve the conditions for the thousands of jurors who report for duty in Queens County and was very effective in bringing about change and improved the environment for those who served. She was also a proud mom, who took great pride in her family.”On September 19, 2010 The Hon. Gloria D’Amico held her seventh annual Fun Run/Walk in Astoria Park. (L. to r.): Former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., Variety Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors President Suzanne Robotti, candidate for Assembly Aravella Simotas, Gloria D’Amico, Women’s 3K first place winner Sonja Badger, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and Variety Boys & Girls Club Board Member.

D’Amico began her political career at the Taminent Regular Democratic Club in Astoria. In 1970, teaming with the late Ralph De Marco, she became a Democratic district leader, later continuing her co-leadership role with state Senator George Onorato. Also in 1970, she went to work for the Queens County Board of Elections within two years, she ascended to the position of chief clerk. During the nearly 20 years that she served in that capacity, the clerk’s office earned a reputation as the most efficiently run office in the City of New York. One of her most notable achievements was the computerization of the Queens County Board of Elections’ records consisting of one million voters. In 1978, she became treasurer of the Queens County Democratic Organization, a position she held until she was appointed county clerk. D’Amico was also a New York delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention. In 1984, D’Amico was a primary candidate for the 9th Congressional District seat vacated by Geraldine Anne Ferraro.  Although she was unsuccessful, she went on to fully support her colleague Thomas Manton during his tenure as the congressional representative for the district.  

 A graduate of the Professional School of Fashion Design, D’Amico worked in the fashion industry until her marriage in 1949. At that time, she gave up her career to take on the role of housewife and mother. Though raising her sons was her priority, her strong leadership abilities were evident through her participation in various civic and youth organizations. A prominent member of her church, Immaculate Conception in Astoria, she became president of the Rosary and Altar Society, as well as president of the booster organization. She chaired numerous fundraising events, providing valuable assistance to the church and its youth. Her interest in the children of the community also led to her serve as a den mother for the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout her life, she continued to support the youth of Astoria, serving for nearly a decade as a member of the board for the Variety Boys and Girls Club, as well as supporting the annual Honorable Gloria D’Amico Fun Run/Walk, held each September in Astoria Park.

On September 23, 2010 The Hon. Gloria D’Amico received the Woman of the Year award at the annual cocktail party given by the Kiwanis Club of Astoria-Long Island City. Kiwanis President Linda Perno (r.) joined D’Amico’s family in honoring her achievements.“Gloria D’Amico was a true leader and an inspiration to us all,” State Senator-elect Michael Gianaris said. “Her guidance and loving assistance undoubtedly helped me become who I am today. She made our community, our city and our state a better place. Her life was dedicated to the service of others. She will be sorely missed.”

She also served the community as a member of the board of Sharing and Caring, a local agency providing multiple forms of support for women with breast cancer. She actively supported the affiliation of Western Queens Hospital with Mount Sinai Hospital, which resulted in improved community health resources at Mount Sinai Queens.

D’Amico was the youngest of six children born to Antoinette Vasquenza and Louis DeMonte. The widow of the late Leonard H. D’Amico, she is survived by her sons, Louis S. (Catherine O'Neill) and Leonard T. (Wendy Mayer); her four grandchildren, Leonard, Michael, Amanda and Lauren and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Chloe (Leonard).