Tarky Lombardi, Jr
1929 - 2024
Obituary
Tarky Lombardi, Jr., 95, of Jamesville, died peacefully at his home from kidney complications on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Tarky, as he was known to friends and constituents, was an attorney, businessman, and civic leader who devoted 33 years to public service. Despite a conspicuous and active professional career, Tarky most cherished private moments with his immediate family which included his dear wife of 66 years Marianne (Edgecomb); their daughters, Jennine Yonta (Jay) of Jamesville, NY., Marianne Fogelson (Richard) of Arlington, VA., and Dr. Rosemary Lombardi of Northport, NY, and sons, Tarky Lombardi III (Anita) of Jamesville, NY., and Reverand Michael Lombardi of Valley Stream, NY. Tarky is also survived by eight adoring grandchildren, Matthew Yonta, Abigail Liebold (Zachary), Michael Yonta, Jonathan Fogelson, Alexander Fogelson, Mark Fogelson, Tarky Joseph Lombardi, and Cecilia Lombardi. In true Italian fashion, Tarky would routinely host his children and grandchildren for Sunday dinner each week at Vito’s Restaurant.
The third of four children born to his late parents Jennie Cerio and Tarquino Lombardi Sr., Tarky grew up on Syracuse’s north side alongside his siblings – the late Jack Lombardi of Phoenix, AZ., the late Sarah Pietrafesa of West Palm Beach, FL., and his last surviving sibling, Francis (Angela) Lombardi of Naples, FL. His father instilled in him the importance of education and hard work, values that guided him throughout his life. Tarky, along with his brothers, helped establish Syracuse Tank and Manufacturing, a successful business with several satellite plants nationwide.
In 1944, at the age of fifteen, Tarky left home and began his high school education at the New York Military Academy – otherwise known as NYMA- from where he graduated in 1947. Tarky’s experience at NYMA nurtured a deep appreciation for the military which later inspired him to sponsor the annual West Point Day during his tenure in the New York State Senate. In 2001, NYMA presented Tarky with the alumnus of distinction award.
Lombardi received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University in 1951 and three years later earned a Doctor of Laws degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He later became a founding partner in the law firm of Devorsetz, Stinziano, Lombardi, and Smith. Tarky’s time as both an undergraduate and graduate Syracuse student forged lifelong friendships and an unending love for everything Orange. He embraced every opportunity to help his alma mater whether it was supporting athletics via the Orange Pack or developing strategic initiatives as a member of the Board of Trustees. But his greatest contribution centered around his leadership in the financing and construction of the Carrier Dome. Lombardi’s political acumen persuaded an otherwise reluctant Governor Hugh Carey to commit $15 million in state grants for the Dome’s construction; a decision that would forever change the Syracuse horizon.
Lombardi began his public service in 1959 when the Onondaga County Republican Party selected him to run for a seat on the Syracuse Common Council. It was the first of what would mark many campaign victories, and he continued on as a member of the Syracuse Common Council for the next six years eventually serving as its Majority Leader. Impressed by his demonstrative leadership skills and engaging speaking style, party leaders - spearheaded by Senator John Hughes – lobbied and ultimately persuaded Tarky to run for statewide office. Tarky represented the 49th district in the New York Senate as a member of the Republican Party. His district covered a large swath of Central New York situated almost entirely in Onondaga and Cortland counties. Voters first elected Lombardi to a Senate Seat in 1965 and over the next 27 years, he served as their state representative until retiring in 1992. Senator Lombardi earned a national reputation for his accomplishments in the health field. Well known for championing several efforts to contain healthcare and medical malpractice costs, his achievements included successful passage of legislation he authored on medical malpractice reform and the creation of physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Without question, his signature piece of legislation was the Nursing Homes without Walls program – a pilot program so transformative, it was subsequently duplicated in other states.
During his terms as State Senator, Tarky served on several Committees. He chaired the Senate Health Committee from 1971 until 1989 and the powerful Senate Finance Committee from 1989 until 1992. Perhaps his most cherished role was assuming Chairmanship of the Senate Special Committee on the Arts. Armed with the belief they were fundamental to a well-rounded education, Tarky fiercely defended state funding of the arts. His stance was particularly popular with influential members of the New York entertainment world, and he soon found himself working closely with the likes of Kitty Carlisle Hart and Tony Randall on multiple legislative projects.
Throughout his stellar career, Senator Lombardi received a number of awards including the Terence Cardinal Cooke award and Legislator of the Year from the National Association for Home Care. In 1983, Lombardi was presented the Arents Medal by Syracuse University – its highest alumni award – and in 1986, he was named National Republican Legislator of the Year. Lombardi was a member of the Council of State Governments and Chairman of its Committee on Human Resources. He served on numerous governing bodies and corporate boards including the Boards of Directors of Syracuse University, the New York Historical Society, St Joseph’s Hospital Center, the National Conference of State Legislators, Fays Drugs, and SRC.
In June of 1992, Senator Lombardi announced he would not seek reelection in the 49th district and voluntarily ended his 27-year career in the state legislature. Following his announcement, the Syracuse Post Standard published an editorial outlining his work as a state legislator stating “Lombardi’s concrete achievements are many. Start with his key role in Carrier Dome financing. Add the Sports Medicine Center, and don’t forget the Syracuse University Science and Tech Center. How about the Onondaga County Convention Center?” After his retirement from politics, Tarky redirected his attention to personnel pursuits and focused time on family, traveling, and a resurrected law career.
The Lombardi family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals and compassionate home health aides who made Tarky’s final weeks at home as comfortable as possible.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Tarky’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. in Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., Dewitt. Tarky will be laid to rest privately in the Lombardi Family Mausoleum at Assumption Cemetery. Calling hours will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) Syracuse, NY 13212.
Memorial contributions in Tarky’s memory may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St. Liverpool, NY 13088, or to the Syracuse Athletics Opportunity Fund. As the longest running Syracuse University season ticket holder, Tarky embodied an unwavering loyalty to the Orange. This special fund will recognize his commitment and passion for Syracuse Athletics and his enduring love for supporting student athletes, coaches and his Alma Mater. Checks can be sent to the attention of Jodie Ralston, Executive Director of Advancement Services, 640 Skytop Road, Syracuse NY 13244. Gifts may also be made online: givetosu.syr.edu/tarkylombardi