Rosemary R. Gunning

Rosemary R. Gunning (February 7, 1905 – October 4, 1997) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.

Life

She was born on February 7, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York City. She attended St. Brigid's School and Richmond High School. She graduated LL.B. from Brooklyn Law School in 1927,[1] was admitted to the bar in 1930, and practiced law in New York City. She married Lester Moffett, and they lived in Ridgewood, Queens. They had no children.

Rosemary Gunning became one of the leaders of the fight against desegregation busing,[2] and in 1962 was a founding member of the Conservative Party of New York. In November 1965, she ran on the Conservative ticket for President of the City Council, but was defeated by Democrat Frank D. O'Connor. She was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1967. In November 1968, she was elected with Republican endorsement to the New York State Assembly, one of the first two Conservatives to win an elective state office. She was re-elected three times, and remained in the Assembly until 1976, sitting in the 178th, 179th, 180th and 181st New York State Legislatures.[3]

She died on October 4, 1997, at the home of one of her nieces in Roslyn, New York, of liver cancer[4] at age 92.

References

1. New Yorkj Red Book (1973; pg. 189)
2. Planner of White Boycott; Rosemary Gunning in the New York Times on August 12, 1964 (subscription required)
3. Rosemary Gunning, at 71, Ends Legislative Career in the New York Times on June 8, 1976 (subscription required)
4. Rosemary R. Gunning, 92, Foe of School Busing in the New York Times on October 7, 1997

New York State Assembly
Preceded by Thomas P. Cullen	New York State Assembly 34th District 1969–1972	Succeeded by Joseph F. Lisa
Preceded by Samuel D. Wright	New York State Assembly 37th District 1973–1976	Succeeded by Clifford E. Wilson