Exhibit 32.1

               STATEMENT FURNISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
               SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

     The undersigned, George L. Engelke, Jr., is the Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Astoria Financial Corporation (the "Company").

     This statement is being furnished in connection with the filing by the
Company of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2003 (the "Report").

     By execution of this statement, I certify that:

     (A)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
          15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or
          78o(d)) and

     (B)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
          material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
          of the Company as of the dates and for the periods covered by the
          Report.


November 10, 2003                       /s/ George L. Engelke, Jr.
- ----------------                        ---------------------------------
     Dated                                  George L. Engelke, Jr.