Former Republican City Council member Tom Ognibene died on Monday at the age of 71.
He represented Queens' 30th district from 1992 to 2001, serving as Council Minority Leader starting in 1994.
His district covered the neighborhoods of Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodside and Woodhaven.
Ognibene also mounted unsuccessful campaigns for mayor in 2005 and for his old City Council seat in a 2008 special election.
Former congressman Anthony Weiner remembered him on Twitter, saying, "So sorry to hear of the passing of Tom Ognibene. He was clever, funny and passionate. His family are in my prayers."
Queens Councilman Eric Ulrich also shared condolences, tweeting, "Former Councilman Tom Ognibene was like a second father to me. I would not be the man I am today if it were not for his help and guidance."
Ognibene leaves behind his wife Margaret and two children.