Press Releases

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) today issued his condolences on the passing of a Hudson Valley trailblazer, Pearl Quarles.

"I had the privilege of getting to know Pearl Quarles during my time with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). "Pearl was an exceptional woman and a trailblazer - the first African American Westchester County Legislator, the first African American President of the New Rochelle Board of Education, and the first African American to be hired in a 'white collar' position in Westchester County's banking industry. She was also the first female chair of the Shiloh Baptist Church board of trustees in New Rochelle."

"Through her service as a legislator, a business professional, a religious leader, President of the Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus, a leader in the New Rochelle NAACP, and myriad other roles, Pearl Quarles personified public service," Congressman Lawler (NY-17) added. "She left an indelible mark on our community, on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed."

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.