"Assemblyman John Lavelle was a dedicated public servant who always made his constituents on Staten Island a top priority. John was a compassionate fighter for community health care services and ensuring that children in his district received the resources they needed for a sound education. I was proud to work with him last year in passing legislation to take illegal handguns off our streets. My Assembly Minority colleagues and I mourn John's passing and extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and many friends."