Queens Activist Dolan Killed In Traffic Accident Tuesday Night

Community activist and President of the Queens Civic Congress Pat Dolan was killed in a traffic accident on Hillside Avenue Tuesday night, according to another member of Community Board 8. She was on her way to a board transportation committee meeting when she was struck at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and 198th Street.

Dolan had a reputation throughout Queens as a fighter for the borough’s causes. Few and far between were the borough politicians who hadn’t worked extensively with Dolan.

Leaders throughout the borough were shocked to hear of her passing, and mourned for a Queens resident who personified true civic duty.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said she was deeply affected by Dolan's death.

"Last night, the people of Queens lost a terrific and tireless leader who fought with knowledge and passion for libraries, senior citizens, parks, children, transportation safety and every other issue that affects all of us," Marshall said in a statement. "Pat dedicated her life to Queens. She was the epitome of a civic leader and the definition of a community leader."

Others were quick to praise Dolan's obvious dedication to the borough.

“She was such a super-dedicated person. She gave her life to her causes,” said Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio, who worked with Dolan frequently. “To lose such a civic-minded person like her. Her dedication was really unmeasureable.”

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, was stunned. “It's an absolute shock and a huge loss for Queens.”

Congressman Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills, said the borough's loss would be deeply felt.

"I was honored to have worked with her and had looked forward to working with her closely in the months and years ahead," Turner said. "I am deeply saddened that I will not have this opportunity. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends."

City Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, said her contributions to the borough were so frequent that it was rare to encounter a community event or improvement that didn’t have her fingerprints all over it.

“It's so heartbreaking,” Weprin said. “There wasn't a thing taking place in the past 20 years in Queens with which she was not involved.”

City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills, met Dolan in 1988 and the two became good friends. Koslowitz last saw her when they had dinner together two weeks ago. She found out about Dolan's passing Wednesday morning at an event in Douglaston.

"When someone said it to me, it didn't seem like it was real," she said. "I can't imagine Queens without Pat Dolan."

A memorial service has been planned for Dolan at the , Nov.  29 at 7 p.m.

"She was a wonderful person," Koslowitz added. "I think she'd want to be remembered for helping people, being there for people and fighting for communities."