Christopher Carini, Hempstead City Councilor, dies at 49

Hempstead City Councilman Christopher Carini died suddenly on Sunday while visiting family in Florida, city officials said.

Carini, 49, of Seaford, a father of two and former police officer, was serving his second term on the city council since his first election in 2019.

Hempstead Town Councilman Don Clavin confirmed Carini’s death Monday morning. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

“Councilman Carini was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the communities he represented was unwavering,” Clavin said. “But most importantly, he was a proud and dedicated father to his two children, Joey and Ava, and a loving husband to his wife, Danielle. The Town of Hempstead and its residents have suffered a great loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Carini served for 22 years as a police officer for the NYPD, MTA Police, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.

Carini was elected to the City Council after a six-week campaign to succeed former Councilwoman Erin King-Sweeney.

On Monday morning, the first tributes arrived from Carini’s current and former colleagues.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) served on the City Council with Carini for three years.

“Speechless and heartbroken,” D’Esposito said in a statement. “Chris was a tireless advocate for his neighbors, a passionate activist, a staunch supporter of law enforcement, a loving friend, a devoted husband and one of the best fathers I have ever known. This hurts deeply, I will miss you my friend.”

Carini leaves behind his wife Danielle, 17-year-old daughter Ava and 12-year-old son Joey, all of Seaford.

Hempstead town officials said flags would fly at half-staff in Carini’s memory. Officials have not yet made plans to fill his seat on the town council, which represents the South Shore communities of Lido Beach and Point Lookout, as well as parts of Bellmore, Freeport, Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.

The seat may be filled either by appointment by the city or by election.

No information about the funeral arrangements was available.