Former Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday, remembering a public servant whose career included leading his hometown of Cohoes.
In a statement released Nov. 9, Hochul described Canestrari as a lifelong Cohoes resident and Vietnam-era veteran who went on to serve as the city’s mayor and majority leader of the state Assembly.
“Ron never forgot where he came from or the people he was there to serve,” Hochul said.
She credited him with advocating for schools, local communities and economic development in the Capital Region.
Hochul also recalled his interests outside government, including Broadway, the arts and travel.
The governor offered condolences to Canestrari’s family, friends and the Cohoes community, calling him “a dedicated public servant and a beloved neighbor.”
The statement did not provide his age, a cause of death or information about funeral arrangements.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
