Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today helped light a Christmas tree in memory of Carl F. Grillo at the Staten Island Botanical Gardens. The tree lighting ceremony officially opened the Carl F. Grillo Memorial Glasshouse and was also attended by Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari and Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern.
"Carl Grillo was a man of extraordinary wisdom and generosity," Mayor Giuliani said. "Not only was he a close friend and advisor to me, but he gave his time to anyone who could benefit from his knowledge and experience. He left us too soon, but his passion for gardening will endure in this beautiful glasshouse, and those who loved him will be able to visit and celebrate his life."
Borough President Molinari said, "Although we did not see eye-to-eye on the issues, Carl Grillo was a man of integrity and great passion. His death at age 41 was a tragedy - and three years later he is missed now as much as ever. The beautiful Carl F. Grillo Memorial Glasshouse is a fitting tribute to this fine man. I congratulate Snug Harbor President Fran Huber for realizing such an extraordinary project, and I thank Mayor Giuliani, whose generosity helped to make it possible."
The Staten Island Botanical Garden is located in Snug Harbor, one of New York City's leading cultural centers. The glasshouse had been used by retired sailors that once made Snug Harbor their home. Reconstructed at a cost of $1.3 million, it contains three different plant environments, tropical, desert and temperate. Two new fountains have been installed and new lawns have been created. The glasshouse will also serve an educational purpose, hosting workshops and featuring horticultural displays representing a variety of plant species. The glasshouse renovations were funded jointly by the Mayor, Borough President and City Council.
A lifelong Staten Island resident, Carl Grillo died three years ago today at the age of 41, after a long battle with cancer. He had been the Secretary and Executive Director of the New York State Liberal Party.