Former Bronx Parks Commish Hector Aponte Passes Away

Former Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte passed away this week.  (Photo: Robert Rosamilio)   

By Geoffrey Croft

Long time Parks Department employee Hector M. Aponte passed away NYC Park Advocates has learned.

In January 2015 Mr. Aponte retired after nineteen years with the Parks Department, the last ten as Bronx Parks Commissioner, the borough he grew up in.

Mr. Aponte, 74,  began working for the Parks Department in 1995, holding various positions including Parks Manager and director of requirement contracts for  Manhattan parks.  In 2004 he became the Acting Deputy Chief of Operations for Manhattan.

He also worked briefly as the Chief of Operations in Staten Island before returning to the Bronx.

In November 2004, Mr. Aponte was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to serve as the Bronx Parks Commissioner a position he held until his retirement.    

Before joining NYC parks he was the Acting Regional Director of the N.Y. State Office of Parks, Recreation.  He joined state parks in 1987.   

The Parks Department sent out a broadcast email yesterday announcing the passing of Mr. Aponte.