Former Queens DA John Santucci Dies

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Former Queens District Attorney John Santucci, who served for 14 years and is credited with making many advances in the office, has died.

Santucci was 85 years old.

Prior to serving as the top prosecutor in Queens, Santucci was a member of the New York City Council and the New York State Senate. He was appointed as DA by then-Gov. Hugh Carey in 1977, and served until 1991.

Santucci was also noted for expanding employment for those with disabilities, the release said.

Santucci retired in 1991.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Edna Ann; their six children – Mary, Thomas, John, Carol, Robert and Edna, as well as 12 grandchildren.