ALLENTOWN, Pa. – At the start of its regular meeting Wednesday night, Allentown City Council members praised the work of the late City Controller Jeff Glazier, who died May 26.
Council President Santo Napoli thanked the community for the outpouring of condolences and support for Glazier’s family.
“Jeff was widely respected for his service over the years at the Allentown School District, the City of Allentown, and on many boards that he was a member of,” Napoli said. “All his service and contributions were focused on making the city of Allentown a better place, and that is his legacy to me.”
Councilmember Candida Affa said it was difficult to sit and look at Glazier’s empty chair.
“I’ve learned through life that we’re very thankful and appreciative for the people that support us and help us get through life,” Affa said. “But once they’re gone, it’s devastating. This is when we truly, truly miss them. Rest in peace, Jeff, we miss you.”
Council Vice President Cynthia Mota said she had the privilege of working alongside Glazier for more than a decade.
“Over those years, he became not only a trusted colleague but also a dear friend,” Mota said. “He approached every situation with kindness, integrity, genuine thoughtfulness, and never losing sight of the people he served. His dedication to others in his quiet leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know him.”
“His passing is personal to me and to so many of us who were fortunate enough to work with and learn from him,” she added. “He will be greatly missed, and his legacy of compassion and services will not be forgotten.”
Councilmembers Jeremy Binder and Cristian Pungo said even though they joined council at the beginning of this year, they impressed with the knowledge Glazier brought to the city.
“It is a huge hole that we will not ever fill in this city,” Binder said. “That level of institutional wisdom is not something that just happens. He was an amazing individual and passionate for details, for making sure that there was transparency and making sure that Allentown was a better city for everyone.”
“I think the most impactful thing about Jeff’s memory is the fact that he served all of us in this room for decades, and he always looked out for the best of the city,” Pungo said. “And I think that’s something that we all aspire to kind of achieve.”