[Photo Credit: Tom Callan/Brooklyn Paper]
We received news overnight that former State Assemblyman and Carroll Gardens activist Frank Verderame has died. As a private citizen, Mr. Verderame was involved in just about every issues in the community and possessed a history of things and body of knowledge held by no one else. Mr. Verderame knew the broad brush of issues as well as the smallest details. He was for example, the ultimate expert on the ownership of the public plaza in front of the deeply controversial 360 Smith Street building and we had sat in awe and listened to Mr. Verderame’s recollections that the public actually owned the plaza rather than the developer. Of course, supporters of the development disagreed, but we believed that Mr. Verderame was correct and that the developer and the public officials who supported the development knew that Mr. Verderame’s intimate knowledge was truly correct. (Click here for his take on the subway plaza.) He was a prime mover behind the “narrow streets” zoning text amendments. We do knot have enough detail as of this time to write the obituary Mr. Verderame so deeply deserves. We will simply repeat the news that Triada Samaras passed along while we were asleep last night: “We just received the sad news of Frank Verderame’s passing.
May he rest in Peace. CORD.” May you find the peace that we all seek, Frank.
8 responses so far ↓
1 John L. Heyer II // Dec 18, 2008 at 9:26 am
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Frank Verderame on Saturday Morning, 9:30AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 467 Court Street
2 anon // Dec 18, 2008 at 9:36 am
He also put the “P” in Public, when it comes to Public Place. Sad in and of itself, but unfortunate to lose a member of the community who was there when all of these areas that the community is now fighting for are now at risk of being lost to developers.
3 John // Dec 18, 2008 at 5:16 pm
He will be waked today at 7-9pm and Friday
2-5 and 7-9 pm at at Raccuglia Funeral.
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday at St.
Mary’s church. See above comment for time of funeral.
4 anon2 // Dec 18, 2008 at 9:57 pm
While this is quite a loss for Franks family, it is also a great loss to our community. We must not forget what he has done for us over all these years.
5 John // Dec 19, 2008 at 1:33 am
Frank was a beloved Father, friend and neighborhood activist who had incredible knowledge and personal dedication toward the betterment of Carroll Gardens. I propose that a great way to honor his memory and this longime dedicaton to the community is to have a street in Carroll Gardens, park or garden named after him.
6 anthony pugliese // Dec 20, 2008 at 11:07 am
i remember frank when he was an elected official and was always there for the people of his community,he spoke for those who were afraid to speak
7 Frank's nieces Nicole & Gabbie // Dec 20, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Frank Verderame wasn’t just a neighborhood activist but he was our uncle also. He will be forever missed. On behalf of his other nieces and nephews, may you RIP our angel <3 we love you .
8 Diana // Dec 22, 2008 at 1:47 pm
My condolensces go out to John, Angie and the entire Verderame family. May Frank rest in peace.