Nov 8, 2013 2 min read Eva Moskowitz

Top Aide to Letitia James Found Hanged in Apartment

Council Member Letitia James said that Alfred Chiodo, one of her top aides who was found hanged at home on Thursday, always looked at New York City "with rose-colored glasses." (Photo by Christine Streich) — Council Member Letitia James said that Alfred Chiodo, one of her top aides who was found hanged at home on Thursday, always looked at New York City “with rose-colored glasses.” (Photo by Christine Streich)

Alfred Chiodo, a top aide for local City Council Member and Public Advocate-elect Letitia James, was found hanging in his Crown Heights apartment on Thursday, the Associated Press reported.

Police learned of the 57-year-old Chiodo’s death when they visited his apartment after his colleagues expressed concerns that he hadn’t attended work for several days, according to the article. It’s not clear whether Chiodo committed suicide or if it was an accident, a police source told The New York Daily News.

Chiodo was James’ urban-affairs director, serving as the point person on various matters, including James’ opposition to the building of the Barclays Center, The New York Post reported.

“Thanks to all who reached out expressing condolences for our heartbreaking loss,” James tweeted around 9 a.m. today. “Alfred was passionate about the work he did. he looked at our city with rose-colored glasses. He was a kind man, and a generous spirit, and he will be deeply missed.”

In a Twitter conversation with Transportation Alternatives, a non-profit organization that encourages non-polluting travel in the city, James wrote, “Alfred was passionate about biking and was practically a Transportation Alternatives spokesman, he loved you guys so much.”

“Years ago I saw Alfred biking on Eastern Parkway, with a smile as broad as Brooklyn,” Paul Steely White, the executive director of the organization, responded at about 1 p.m. “Thank you for nurturing such a loving advocate.”

James skipped a party held in her honor at the Somos Conference in San Juan on Thursday because of Chiodo’s death, The Daily News reported. In James’ place, City Councilwoman-elect Laurie Cumbo was honored by the powerful healthcare union 1199 SEIU.

City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, rumored to be running for the Council Speaker spot, expressed her sympathies at the conference.

“Our condolences to the family, that she [James] is staying back to help and assist,” Mark-Viverito said at the reception, according to The Daily News.