Paul N. D'Onofrio

Paul Nicholas D’Onofrio, 71, of Delmar and New Rochelle, NY, passed away suddenly at home in Delmar on November 12th. He was known for his sharp intelligence and wit, unwavering integrity and honesty. His generosity, support and kindness to those he loved could always be counted on. He will be greatly missed. 

Born in New Rochelle, NY on August 20, 1953, Paul was the son of the late Nicholas and Isabel D’Onofrio, and grew up in a large extended family in which he was the keeper of all the family stories. He graduated from New Rochelle High School, where he was an excellent student, the captain of the football team, vice president of his senior class and the defender of every kid who got bullied. Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and Cornell Law School. Paul retired at the end of 2021 after a long career as a labor lawyer and steadfast defender of the rights of trade union workers. He spent 25 years as a lobbyist representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Sheet Metal Workers, after serving for nearly 20 years in the NYS Legislature, including 17 years in the NYS Assembly counsel’s office, where he spent most of his time as the Labor Counsel. He began his career at the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, DC and also practiced law for family and friends in New Rochelle. He never backed down from a fight when defending the people he represented and unfailingly did the right thing. 

He is survived by his beloved daughter Christina, son-in-law Kelsey Allen and grandson Christopher Paul Allen (the “Little Voice”), of Albany; his longtime partner Kathleen Preston of Delmar; sisters Donna (Carmine) Ramunto, and Diane D’Onofrio Delgado and brother Michael, all of New Rochelle; and nieces and nephews, Nicholas (Stephanie) Ramunto, Dina Ramunto (Matthew Cam), Daniel Delgado and Juliana Delgado. 

Funeral services will be held privately and there will be no calling hours. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held for friends and family in the near future, and the family will be establishing a scholarship in his name. 

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince; flights of angels take thee to thy rest”.