The State Senate on May 13 honored the life and passing of Leonard Spano, devoted husband, father and former Westchester County clerk and legislator. A resolution was sponsored by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Sen. Shelley Mayer.
Spano served on the Westchester County Board of Legislators from 1971 to 1993, and as county clerk from 1993 to 2005. He raised 16 children with his wife, Josephine, including current Mayor of the City of Yonkers and former Assembly member Mike Spano, and former State Sen. and Assemblyman Nick Spano.
The late Spano is remembered for his work ethic, devotion to his family and keen political instincts.
“Leonard Spano was a proud public servant who served the residents of Westchester for over three decades as county legislator and as county clerk,” said Stewart-Cousins. “He built a legacy that has helped inspire a generation of children, including his own, to become public servants. I am proud to have helped advance a Senate resolution recognizing Leonard Spano for his decades of public service.
“Leonard Spano was a dedicated son of Yonkers, and the best way to honor his legacy is to continue his commitment to our city and all of Westchester. I want to especially recognize Leonard’s wife and partner, Josephine, and thank her for sharing Leonard with the people of Westchester.”
Mayer said she was pleased to sponsor a resolution commemorating the life of Spano.
“Len was a formidable force in the political and civic life of Westchester County and the City of Yonkers,” she said. “He served in public office for over 30 years, first as a Westchester County legislator, then as Westchester County clerk. Along with his wife, Josephine, he raised a family of public servants who continue to give back to the community.
“As a first-generation immigrant, Len knew the value of hard work. When first running for public office, he would scrub his hands clean of oil marks from his job with the family business before going out door-knocking. Len’s story, and the blue-collar dynasty story of the Spano family, is one of immigrant success.”
