Geraldine A. Ferraro, First Woman on Major Party Ticket, Dies at 75

RIP Geraldine Ferraro (August 26, 1935 – March 26, 2011)

Geraldine A. Ferraro, the former Queens congresswoman who in 1984 strode onto a podium to accept the Democratic nomination for vice president to take her place in American history as the first woman nominated for national office by a major party, died on Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 75.

The cause was complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that she had battled for 12 years, her family said in a statement.

Statement from NYC Comptroller John Liu on the Passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro:

“Geraldine Ferraro was an extraordinary New Yorker and American who set new standards of public service and shattered the glass ceiling for women in our nation. All the while, she never forgot her values of fairness and equal opportunity, and never forgot her roots in NYC and Queens. Geraldine Ferraro leaves behind a great legacy.”

Statement by NYC Public Advocate Bill De Blasio on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Geraldine Ferraro was a true trailblazer who inspired enormous pride among women, Italian-Americans and all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ferraro family as we all mourn the loss of one of New York’s most inspirational and dedicated public figures.

Statement from Congressman Joe Crowley on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the statement below on the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Crowley is the current Representative of portions of Ferraro’s former district.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Many pay tribute to her as a trailblazer in American politics, but we in Queens will also remember her as a determined and tireless advocate for our community. An inspiration to us all, Geraldine Ferraro helped pave the way for our daughters to achieve anything they set their minds to. As the Representative of her former district, I am proud to call Geraldine a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine’s family and I join the entire country in mourning one of America’s great public servants.”

Statement from Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Passing of Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro:

“All Americans are saddened by the news that Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro passed away early this morning at the Massachusetts General Hospital. At the age of 75, this fighter for women's rights and social justice finally lost her heroic twelve year struggle against multiple myeloma. As always, she was surrounded by her loving family. A profound appreciation of her life and legacy is in the thoughts of millions of admirers.

“While most Americans associate the name Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro with being the first woman and first Italian American vice-presidential nominee of a major political party on the 1984 Democratic ticket, her former constituents and indeed all residents of the borough of Queens remember her as an effective member of the House Democratic leadership and a skilled Member of Congress who ably advocated and legislated not only for her congressional district, but also the borough, New York City and New York State. I have the additional honor of having worked with her decades ago in the office of the Queens County District Attorney.

“On behalf of the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District, my wife, Simone, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Statement From Former Councilman Eric Gioia On The Passing Of Geraldine Ferraro

"Geraldine Ferraro was the first of her kind and one of a kind. Growing up in Queens I got to know her at my family flower shop and have valued her wisdom and guidance my whole life. To me she was a mentor and a friend, to the nation she was a trailblazer as the first woman to run on a national ticket, to Queens she was our voice in Congress, to her family she was a loving wife and mother and to my two young daughters she is an inspiration that shows they can achieve anything through hard work. New York and the country are better off because of Geraldine Ferraro and she will be truly missed - but never forgotten."