Statement From Mayor Bill de Blasio on The Passing of Catherine Abate

May 20, 2014

“Over the weekend, New York City lost a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for human rights. Catherine was a leader with strong convictions and an unwavering commitment to change this city for the better. From representing New Yorkers at the Legal Aid Society, to serving as State Senator, to leading this city’s Corrections and Probation departments, Catherine never varied from her core belief in just representation and support for every member of our society. I remember fondly working together with her in 1989 as founding members of Italian-Americans for Dinkins; she never shied from a good cause and a good fight. My thoughts and prayers are with Catherine’s husband, Ron, and her entire family. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.”