Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato Dies At 61

Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato died May 6, 2020. The Haverstraw resident was 61.

County Executive Ed Day issued a statement:

Today Rockland County mourns. The loss of County Clerk Paul Piperato shows the truth in the phrase, ‘only the good die young.’ Paul was a dedicated public servant who I originally knew from the non-profit world, having gotten to know each other while serving on the ARC Rockland Foundation Board. You could not find a more genuine or caring individual than Paul, I will always remember the moments we shared together in public service. Particularly when we would take part in Naturalization Ceremonies that were overseen by the Clerk’s Office; his joy at witnessing and taking part in new citizens joining our ranks was truly something to behold. May his warmth and kindness stand as a reminder and an example to all of us. Paul, you will be missed.

First elected to the county clerk post in 2005, Piperato was a strong stable presence in county government. He and his office received the 2011 Rockland County Department of the Year Quality award. Then-County Executive Scott Vanderhof said Piperato and his staff made government services more accessible and convenient for the residents of Rockland County.

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski said, "Paul Piperato was well known to be the nicest guy in politics. He was everyone’s best friend; kind and funny and always there for support. Paul brought compassion and service to government. His personal style was clear in the way the Clerk's office helped anyone with any problem. He was a community guy, always willing to help a neighbor or volunteer with a not for profit. He loved Haverstraw, Rockland and New York; he was a steady leader in a hectic political time. Paul was a confidant and friend to me; he always had a smile and laugh for my family; we grieve with Flora and his family and will cherish his memory."

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt said, "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato. Paul loved Rockland County and served its residents with pride and distinction. Our prayers are with his family, friends and county clerk office colleagues during this trying time."

The Rockland County Legislature extended its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers.

“This is a tremendous and unbelievable loss for all of Rockland County,” Legislative Chairman Alden H. Wolfe said. “Paul was a kind and caring person who looked out for everyone and tried to make the world a better place.”

Legislator Wolfe said Piperato was a hard-working public servant who improved the efficiency of the County Clerk’s Office and was so respected for his efforts that he was elected as the chairman of the New York State County Clerks’ Association.

“Paul transformed the County Clerk’s Office, adjusting office hours to accommodate the public, creating a mobile passport office, and in partnership with local businesses and veterans, he created the FAVOR program to provide discounts to residents who served our country,” Legislator Wolfe said. “Even in the midst of the pandemic, he kept the Clerk’s office open by appointment to those who needed services. This was the type of person he was, devoted to people and always looking for a way to make things better.”

Legislator Michael Grant was longtime friends with Piperato. Both grew up in north Rockland and with their wives, often attended events and traveled together.

“I am devastated as I know all who knew Paul are feeling today,” Legislator Grant said. “It’s not possible to sum up the life of a person who gave so much - as a public servant, a seasoned political leader, a devoted husband and father, a community supporter and to me, the best of friends. There is a hole in the heart of Haverstraw and Rockland County today. His wife Flora and his children are foremost in my thoughts and prayers.”

Legislator Itamar Yeger knew Piperato well for many years and said that he was a “giver.”

“Paul was a gentle soul who was devoted to his family and to the community,” Legislator Yeger said. “I never heard a bad word said about Paul. He was involved in so many charitable causes and was the type of person to include versus excluding people in whatever he did. He was a giver of advice, of his time, of himself. Rockland County has lost one of its greatest heroes and I have lost a good friend.”

Legislator Toney Earl frequently attended the naturalization ceremonies led by Piperato, who annually swore in hundreds of people as new U.S. citizens.

“He is not someone we can ever replace,” Legislator Earl said. “He always inspired people to do their best, to follow their dreams and to contribute to the greater good. That’s how he himself lived.”

Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein said that despite being a husband, father and grandfather and working full time, Piperato always found time to support vital local nonprofit organizations, including the People to People food pantry, the Rockland Pride Center, One to One Learning, and others.

“Paul not only showed up for their events, he also used his respected reputation to get others to support the organizations, often promoting them on his social media account,” Legislator Hofstein said. “He put his time, his money and his good name on the line and was happy to do it. He was a role model to us all. He was a good man and someone I was blessed enough to call friend."

The folks at Leadership Rockland said: "It is with profound sadness that we pass along the news of the passing of Paul Piperato, Class of 2008, who passed away on May 6, 2020.

Paul was a giant in the Rockland County world. Many knew him from his role as County Clerk, while others came to know him from his many charitable contributions throughout the Rockland community. One word that has been used to describe Paul is that he was a real "mensch".

A Mensch is many things and one simple thing. A mensch does what is right because it is right towards family, towards strangers, at home and in public. When people behave with honesty, integrity, consideration and respect they themselves prosper as does society at large. By spreading mensch-like behavior we can make our society happier, healthier and more successful."

The Rockland County District Attorney's Office is deeply saddened by the tragic news on the passing of our County Clerk, Paul Piperato. Paul's passing is a tremendous loss to our County and our North Rockland Community. From his endless support of non-for-profit organizations and presence at every community event in the county, he was a champion of all that is good in Rockland.

He started out on his journey working for our County in 1988 as a Budget Examiner in the Rockland County Finance Department. He moved on to the clerk’s office, serving as Rockland’s Deputy County Clerk for 16 years before being elected County Clerk in 2005.

District Attorney Tom Walsh said "Throughout his tenure in county government, he was always trusted and greeted you with a smile. His goal was to improve our community anyway he could. His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I express my deepest condolences to his wife Flora and their daughters Nicole, Jamie and Danielle. May he rest in Peace."

According to the Haverstraw town website:

Paul Piperato was born on June 19, 1958 in Suffern, New York. He was raised in Rockland County, received his elementary education locally and graduated from North Rockland High School in 1976, where he served as Student Body President. After receiving an Associate Degree in Applied Science from the State University of New York at Delhi, he went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill.

Paul got his start in government in 1988 as a Budget Examiner in the Rockland County Finance Department. In 1989, County Clerk Ed Gorman appointed him Deputy County Clerk, and he served as Ed's deputy for 16 years until Mr. Gorman's untimely and sudden death in October of 2005. Paul ran for County Clerk upon Mr. Gorman's death, and is currently serving his first term as Rockland County Clerk since being elected on January 1, 2006.

During his tenure in the County Clerk's Office, Paul has been intricately involved with administration of the budget, as well as the development of a state-of-the-art computer imaging system. He was instrumental in the creation of a 24/7 website offering online access to records, downloadable forms, and user-friendly information on application procedures and requirements, and is also responsible for innovative County Clerk services such as the Mobile Passport Service and extended office hours.

Elected Councilman in the Town of Haverstraw in November 1997, he served two 4-year terms before being elected as County Clerk. Paul also served as Town Police Commissioner and on a variety of town commissions and committees, including; Parks and Recreation, Diversity, and Youth. Other town responsibilities included Labor and Police Liaison and Deputy Supervisor.

Throughout the years, Paul has played an active role in the community. He has served on the Boards of and the North Rockland Youth Recreation Program and P.A.C.T (Parents and Children Together), a group that advocates for children with special needs. He is a member of the North Rockland Rotary, Haverstraw Elks, Haverstraw Chamber of Commerce, New York Association of County Clerks and the NAACP. He has been a Coach to the North Rockland Soccer League, the Haverstraw Softball League, and the Haverstraw Police Athletic League. Paul has also been dedicated to fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A lifelong resident of Haverstraw, Paul and his wife Flora reside in Thiells with their three daughters Nicole, Jamie and Danielle, who all attend North Rockland schools.