Michael LoCurto, a lifelong Buffalo resident who represented the Delaware District on the common council from 2006 to 2015, has died.
LoCurto passed away at 2:30 this morning in the care of Hospice, according to his family. He was 46 years-old. He had a kidney transplant in 2009.
A graduate of P.S. #66, City Honors and the University at Buffalo, LoCurto received his master's in urban planning from U.B. in 2002.
He worked as an adjunct assistant professor and research fellow at the university and for former Assemblyman Sam Hoyt before being elected to his post with the city.
LoCurto resigned his seat in the summer of 2015 to become deputy commissioner of Environment and Planning for Erie County.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz released a statement on his passing:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael LoCurto. Mike served honorably and with great skill and integrity as deputy commissioner of Erie County’s Department of Environment and Planning until he could no longer do so due to his illness. An urban planner by training, Mike brought to the position the eye of a highly educated professional, but also the understanding of the public’s needs due to his decade of service on the Buffalo Common Council representing the city’s Delaware District.
Mike was passionate about public service and brought that passion to work every day he served in my administration. However, Mike LoCurto was more than a member of my administration, he was also a friend. While he could be very serious and cared deeply for our community, he had a great sense of humor and could put any person at ease. It is that seriousness mixed with humor that made him the great leader he was for Buffalo and Erie County.
My thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to Mike’s parents, Dennis and Joan, his sister Tina, the rest of his family as well as his many friends. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in Erie County government and our community is worse off today due to his passing.”
