Assemblyman David Gantt, veteran state legislator in Rochester, dies

855d3a28-3c8c-49c1-aba7-94a940edd3f6

(WHAM) – New York State Assemblyman David Gantt, a long-time public servant who served in the 137th District for more than 30 years, died Wednesday.

A fixture of politics in Albany and Rochester, Gantt had represented the people of Rochester and Gates since 1983.

In February, the Democrat announced he would not seek reelection in November, citing his health. Gantt had been undergoing dialysis for several years due to kidney failure.

In a statement released by Gantt’s office Wednesday evening, family and staff called him “one of Rochester’s foremost civil rights pioneers” who carried on the legacy of his mother, Lena Mae Gantt, in fighting “unapologetically” for the poor people of Rochester.

Before he was elected to the 137th Assembly District seat, Gantt served for eight years in the Monroe County Legislature.

Sister Grace Miller from the House of Mercy knew Gantt for nearly four decades. She recalled working on his campaign for New York State Assembly.

“When we campaigned for him, we hit the streets like mad – night and day, night and day for the whole week,” she said.” Even including Sundays, we were out there campaigning for him. The great picture was when he won for the first time and he has been there ever since.”

Gantt, she said, showed his appreciation for her and her service to the community by nominating her for the state Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Award in 2002, which she later won.

“She is one of my favorite historical figures and out of the clear blue my name was given. They said David gave them my name. He didn’t tell me ahead of time,” Miller aid. “He just did it and I was very shocked by it. So i’ll remember him every time I look at my award. I’ll think of him.”

During his time in office, Gantt helped to pass several important laws in the state, including several to ensure voters are able to have equal access to their local polling places. He also served on the Transportation Committee, which led to laws extending the authorization to use ignition interlock systems in DWI sentencing and other important legislation.

Gantt also mentored several leaders in the Rochester community, both in and out of politics, including Mayor Lovely Warren. Warren released a statement about him, calling him “a father” who “inspired me to be who I am today.”

David will leave a lasting legacy in this community because he always stood up for what was right and for the people he represented. For decades, he worked and served tirelessly to lift up our City and all of its people. He also believed in me when few did. He inspired me, took care of me when I was sick, guided me as built my career and my family. And, he will always be part of my family. He has not only lifted me up, but countless people throughout our community.

I am proud of him for all that he did to lift as he climbed. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. I will always remember his undying love for the Rochester community. He fought a good fight, finished his race and now he has gone home to be with the Lord. I will do all that I can to live up to the expectations he had for me. He was not just a father to me, but also my political mentor. I will forever miss him, and on behalf of the City of Rochester, I extend my deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace with the Lord.

Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott voiced her sadness at Gantt’s passing in a statement, calling him “a close and trusted friend” who she will miss dearly.

Our community has lost a transformative leader, a civil rights pioneer, and a fierce advocate for equity. As the first Black leader from Monroe County elected to state office, David changed the landscape of our community and gave a voice to the disenfranchised. As an elected official, he fought for affordable housing, voting rights, access to healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and safe neighborhoods. This community was like family to David, he offered mentorship, support, guidance, and love. Like his mother, Lena Gantt, he spoke loudly with confidence and clarity, and he never backed down in his pursuit of justice. His legacy will live on through the work of those he inspired and will continue to forge a path towards a more equitable world. My prayers are with his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello released the following statement:

“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Assemblyman David Gantt. Assemblyman Gantt leaves a legacy of community service and activism that many in elected office aspire to achieve. Throughout his decorated 37 year career in the State Legislature, Assemblyman Gantt was a fighter, a voice for the voiceless and a mentor to numerous community leaders, elected officials and everyday citizens alike. His impact and advocacy can be seen throughout the city of Rochester and the communities that he was elected to represent for nearly four decades. His efforts in the State Assembly and his strong belief in our community will be felt for many years to come. I am grateful for Assemblyman Gantt’s service to Rochester and Monroe County. I join with our community in mourning the passing of Assemblyman David Gantt and will continue to keep his family, friends and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.”

Additional information about service arrangements will be forthcoming.

MILLER SAYS ONE OF HER GREATEST MEMORIES WAS AS A VOLUNTEER FOR GANTTS CAMPAIGN — TO HELP GANTT GET TO THE MONROE COUNTY LEGISTLATOR AND THEN TO ALBANY

17:00:00 – Miller

“When we campaugned for him, we hit the streets like mad. Night and day, Night and day for the whole week even including Sundays we were out there campaigning for him. The great picture was when he won for the first time and he has been there ever since”

BUT MILLER SAYS AFTER OPENING THE HOUSE OF MERCY IN ROCHESTER — GANTT SHOWED HIS APPRECIATION FOR HER AND HER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY — BY NOMINATING HER FOR THE STATE HARRIET TUBMAN HUMANITARIAN AWARD IN 2002 — WHICH SHE LATER WON

16:59:40 – Miller

“She is one of my favorite historical figures and out of the clear blue my name was given. They said David gave them my name. He didn’t tell me ahead of time. He just did it and I was very shocked by it. So i’ll remember him everytime I look at my award I’ll think of him”

JAMES MUHAMMED SAYS HIS FAMILY WAS CLOSE WITH GANTT AND HE BELIEVES THE COMMUNITY WILL REMEMBER GANTT FOR HIS WORK IN THE URBAN COMMUNITIES AND HIS INFLUENCE ON LCOAL POLITICIANS

16:44:12 – Muhammed

“There no doubt whether or not you agree with Mr. Gantt or not. He has done a lot for this city”

MILLER SAYS WHILE SHE IS STILL IN SHOCK — SHE BELIEVES GANTTS MARK IN ROCHESTER WILL CONTINUE TO STAY

17:02:20 – Miller

“Rochester was his home. He loved ROchester he loved the residents and he did all he could to help us. We will miss him”

— 13 WHAM

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>