Obituary of Elliot P. Pagliaccio

Elliot P. Pagliaccio passed away on December 21, 2013 in the presence of his beloved family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Glen Cove, New York, to John and Nina Pagliaccio on November 1, 1953, he grew up in Bayville, NY. After achieving a Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York and a Post Masters Certificate in Management of Human Services from the Adelphi School of Social Work and School of Business, Elliot began a thirty-five year career as a leader of leaders in the field of Human Services. Since 2007, Elliot served New York State in the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) under Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, initially as Assistant Comptroller for Strategic Planning and Program Effectiveness. In 2011, he was appointed Deputy Comptroller responsible for leading the Division of State Government Accountability (SGA). In that role, overseeing audits of state agencies and authorities, Elliot created the Taxpayers' Guide to New York State audits, heightened the importance of SGA's fraud and forensic audit team, and in working with the Office of Strategic Planning, created a highly successful Fraud Training Program to assist not-for-profit leaders, program providers and fiscal staff in detecting and deterring fraud in government-funded programs. Shortly before his passing, Elliot designed and coordinated Comptroller DiNapoli's state-wide initiative to improve delivery of services and accountability in leadership organizations and not-for-profit agencies like the Human Services Council and the United Way of New York State. This initiative lead to the passing of legislation signed into law on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, increasing the oversight of spending on state-wide programs designed for children, focusing on special education programs for preschoolers with disabilities. In 2012, his work was recognized by the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the Council of State Governments. In December 2013, as an acknowledgement of his work with the not-for-profit community, the Human Services Council of New York City presented Elliot with its Leadership Award. Prior to joining the Office of the State Comptroller, Elliot served as a former State Agency Inspector General and Director of Internal Audit for the former New York State Division for Youth (DFY) ; also, former Assistant Commissioner with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (NYSDHCR); first County Coordinator for Runaway and Homeless Youth Services, Nassau County Youth Bureau; former District Director for US Congressman Robert Mrazek from Long Island; executive director for community-based youth agencies, drug prevention, and family services programs Elliot served 12 years as Vice President and Senior Fellow with The Rensselaerville Institute- a policy think tank. While leading the consulting divisions at The Rensselaerville Institute, Elliot was most noted for his remarkable breadth of knowledge and ability to teach his vision of Strategic Planning and Outcome Management to for-profit and not-for-profit agencies, state and local governments in New York and across the United States, and the federal government of Singapore and its human services agencies. He never wavered from his mission to champion the "little guy" and mentored tomorrow's leaders based on strong values and principles. Elliot was also a gifted athlete, an avid Yankees fan, and a devoted son, brother, husband, father, stepfather and professional. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend Wendy Taylor, his daughter Mary (Libby) Pagliaccio Nichols, her husband Eric Nichols, their son Chase Hudson Nichols, Elliot's stepsons Spencer and Alex Taylor, and his brothers John Pagliaccio (Lynn) and Joseph Pagliaccio (Dale), nieces Sarah and Isabelle and nephews David and Julian. He is predeceased by his parents John and Nina Pagliaccio of Bayville, New York. His family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff on A5 at Ellis Hospital for the exceptional care and kindness given to Elliot. Calling hours will be Saturday January 11, 2014 from Noon to 3 PM, with a Memorial Service at 3 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Schenectady Community Action Program, Inc. at 913 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY, 12307 or The United Way, Albany, New York.