NEW YORK (TIP): NYC Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed December 7, 2024 as KEVIN FORRESTAL DAY by issuing a posthumous proclamation honoring the late civic leader who passed away at age 78 on August 7, 2024. The proclamation highlighted Kevin’s outstanding service as a dedicated community leader who served for decades in several capacities in various organizations focusing on critical community issues.

The tribute to the late Kevin Forrestal was organized by the Queens Civic Congress at its annual Legislative Reception held at the Douglaston Club in Douglaston, Queens. The memorable event was attended by a packed audience of civic leaders and elected officials who knew Kevin Forrestal over the years.

The Mayor’s Proclamation was presented by Anthony Iuliano, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, to Kevin’s surviving spouse Jackie Forrestal and their daughter, Kathy Forrestal. Deputy Commissioner Anthony Iuliano had known Kevin for many years while Mr. Iuliano was assigned to the Queens division of the Department of Buildings.

Kevin Forrestal was a civic leader and active in the Democratic Party. In politics, he was past president of the William Jefferson Clinton and Daniel Patrick Moynihan Democratic Clubs in Queens. He was President of the Hillcrest Estates Civic Association for over twenty years, often working on zoning concerns and seeking to improve local quality of life. During his 14-year tenure on Community Board 8 Queens (1990 to 2024), he served as the Area 3 Chair, leading the Sanitation/DEP committee and working as a member of the Zoning, Transportation, Health, and Budget Committees during his tenure.

A member of the Queens Civic Congress since 1995, he served as Vice-President from 2000-2016 and returned to that post in 2022 after serving as President for six years. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Cross Island YMCA and participated in fundraising campaigns to help the YMCA of Greater NY raise funds to allow children and families to benefit from the Y’s programs. Also in his civic life, he was a Founding Board Member and Secretary of the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy and a member of the Jamaica Now Leadership Council. His vast knowledge of health care was a strength in his role as an officer in Southeast Queens In Support of Health Services (SQUISH) wherein he advocated for increased health care services for residents of Southeast Queens and as an officer on the Queens Hospital Center Community Advisory Board. One of his proudest contributions to his community was his role in the founding the St. John’s Dialogue Group with Joseph Sciame in 1998, working to strengthen the relationship between the University and the community.

There were several other notable tributes by elected officials and civic organizations. Also participating in the tributes were NYS Attorney General Letitia James and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Dr. Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications & Public Affairs at St. John’s University, remarked on the many contributions that Kevin made to the vibrancy and success of the St. John’s Dialogue Group, which Kevin founded.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards issued a special Proclamation honoring the late Kevin Forrestal and declared December 7, 2024 as KEVIN FORRESTAL DAY IN QUEENS. The presentation was done by Timothy Chubinidze, Director of Civic Engagement.

US Congress Member Grace Meng, who also knew Kevin very well, presented a special congressional citation. A joint NYS Assembly Proclamation signed by several members of area representatives was presented by Assembly Members Nily Rozic and Ed Braunstein. A joint NYS Senate Proclamation signed by several members of area representatives was presented by NYS Senators John Liu and Leroy Comrie. A joint NYC Proclamation was presented by NYC Council Members James Gennaro, Sandra Lee, Vicky Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Robert Holden.

Also, at the event the following outstanding civic leaders were recognized:
Michael Scotland was awarded the first Kevin Forrestal Community Leadership Award and Barbara Larkin was awarded the first Patricia Dolan Community Preservation Award.

Remarks by Jackie Forrestal: “It was an amazing day and we are grateful to the Queens Civic Congress and our elected officials for their recognition of Kevin and his lifetime commitment to serving and caring for others. The tributes to Kevin are heartfelt and the Mayor’s proclamation of KEVIN FORRESTAL DAY is meaningful to our family and will be remembered always. We all miss him dearly”.

Remarks by Kathy Forrestal: “My dad taught me from an early age about the importance of policy and its impact on people’s lives. He worked hard to encourage those who governed to act in the best interests of our community and to advocate for those who live in Queens. Hearing the accolades on Saturday reminds me of the enormous impact of his life outside our family and should be a reminder of the importance of collaboration and respect. I am grateful to each elected official who came to speak and made presentations, as well as to Brian Browne from St. John’s University, for their words in tribute to my father.”