Published on January 29, 2024
by Michele Golden
It is with a heavy heart that I share with my friends, colleagues, and the New York community that my father passed away on January 24, 2024 at the age of 98 surrounded by the love of his family. Not from Covid, but from a long life well lived. A fighter and lover until the end. In his final months, he entertained us with tales of his former adventures. From his childhood in Hell’s Kitchen, to the shores of Normandy, to an extraordinary political career.
His Early Years
My Dad came from a close-knit, loving family and had a wonderful childhood. He grew up in Hell’s Kitchen with his sister Aileen, his mother, Dorothy and his father Jack, who owned a delicatessen. One day there was a fire - an anti- Semitic attack was suspected. The family was forced to move. Shortly thereafter, his father died tragically in an accident while working with the Veterans. With his younger sister and mother to take care of, he enlisted in the Navy. He was just 17.
Seldom did he speak of those years but I know his childhood sorrows never left him. Out of respect, we rarely asked. The loss of his beloved father had a profound effect on him till the end of his days. It changed the trajectory of his life. And it wasn’t until a family dinner in 2019, with my sister, Dana, her husband, Lawrence, his grandchildren Jamie and Andrew, that he shared his experiences at the Battle of Normandy - in fierce detail, his memory as clear as day. He left a boy and came home a man.
About Him
My father cared about three things - his family, his community and his country. There was no pretense nor hidden agendas, you always knew where you stood with my Dad. He could be a little rough around the edges, even tough sometimes, but always loyal and honest to a tee. Dad was charming, dignified, sarcastic, even naughty to the end. His humor was legendary - one that could bring an audience to their knees in laughter. And did I mention he was handsome, movie-star handsome.
Over the years, he dined with everyone from neighborhood folks, to celebrities, Presidents and the Royals. He treated them the same. Very little impressed him. He never compromised his values. Never cared much about power and money. He was about duty, honor, and doing the right thing. It was the only way he knew.
His favorite things were horse racing, gambling, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He loved mashed potatoes, poppy seed bagels, family turkey dinners, and Peter Luger Steak House.
He cherished his grandchildren Jamie and Andrew, his son-in-law Lawrence, and his nieces Laurel, Cindy, Joyce and their husbands Mark and Noam and was always proud to have them at events over the years.
He loved the Veterans and unsung heroes, old war movies, Brooklyn and my Mom.
My Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad met at a party, in her home in Brooklyn, where a friend by chance, brought him along. Within a few months my mother, Aileen (coincidentally the same name as his sister) and my father were engaged. They were married for 65 years. Together they traveled the world, often with their closest friends. She was the love of his life. Theirs was a fairytale story.
As Borough President
Following a career in law, my father dedicated his life to public service. He became a politician - such an undistinguished term in today’s world. But to many he was much more. He led a remarkable reign as the Borough President of Brooklyn for a quarter of a century. His vision for a renaissance of Brooklyn was all embracing and enduring against great odds.
He brought a dignity to government, demonstrating courage and leadership. Proud and fearless, he advocated on behalf of people, communities and institutions. His friendship, support and guidance improved the lives of millions.
His accomplishments were historic: expanding job opportunities, revitalizing the Downtown areas, bringing the first hotel to the Borough and maintaining racial harmony in one of the most diverse cities in the world. He believed that neighborhoods are our greatest assets and he worked to improve the quality of life for the elderly, the poor, the youth and the refugee populations.
He had a genuine interest and advocacy in education, sports and the arts. His efforts will ensure generations to come a brighter future.
While a very public figure, he was a private person. Presidents came to visit him, Prime Ministers around the world rolled out the red carpet -but at the end, he was a Brooklyn man through and through.
He was a true gentleman and led an honorable life. His journey was a noble one.
I can already feel the weight of his absence. His handwritten notes of advice, heartfelt cards and hugs.
Life will never be the same. The man who was always there for us is gone. We will miss him terribly.
Thank you dear Daddy, for everything.
With deep gratitude and love,
Michele