Madeline Provenzano, a longtime east Bronx political firebrand who represented Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, Pelham Bay, Throggs Neck and City Island on City Council for eight years, died Sunday night at age 78.
The cause of death was unclear, though she was known to be sick for some time.
In 2011, the Bloomberg administration finally closed a 20-year deal with Donald Trump and Jack Nicklaus to operate the course.
Provenzano was involved in east Bronx politics long before taking office.
For years, she served as the chief of staff to Councilman Michael DeMarco, who stepped down after 26 years to take a seat on the state Supreme Court.
When the Bronx Democratic Party nominated Provenzano to replace him, she became the first woman to represent the district.
She served from 1997 to 2005, when term limits forced her retirement.
Elected officials who worked with Provenzano remembered her as an inspirational advocate.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called the longtime pol “a paragon of public service” who was “passionate about the community.”
Others said Provenzano was unafraid to be independent.
Though she was a lifelong Democrat, Provenzano supported Mayor Bloomberg on the Republican ticket in 2001 and 2005, drawing some ire from fellow Democrats but sticking to her convictions.
Provenzano’s viewing will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, 3535 E. Tremont Ave. The memorial service is Thursday at 8:30 p.m.