[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 4, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H8823-H8826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING LEW RUDIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Schrock). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, if anyone watching tonight has 
ever called New York ``the Big Apple'' or uttered the words ``I love 
New York,'' I hope they will join me tonight in remembering the man who 
brought those phrases into the public domain. His name was Lewis Rudin, 
but he was better known as ``Mr. New York.''
  On September 20, at the end of his 80th summer, Lew Rudin died of 
cancer. We all know what happened in New York 9 days earlier. As we 
look to rebuild and renew New York after the tragic events of September 
11, we must do so with Lew Rudin's vigor, vision, imagination, spirit, 
and wholehearted love for our great city.
  At a time when the city's skyline has two gigantic cavities, I take 
heart in knowing that it is populated with so many buildings developed 
by Lew and his family. The Rudin family has never sold a building it 
developed, embodying a virtue that too few people value and practice 
today, and that is loyalty. Lew was fiercely loyal to his family, his 
friends, his city, and his father's commitment to rewarding New York 
because New York had rewarded his family.
  Lew was a tireless booster and advocate for New York City. He co-
founded the Association for a Better New York, which has lived up to 
its title time and time again. It has also brought us better schools, 
improved transportation, and cleaner and safer streets. The association 
became a watchdog, rewarding those who enhanced our city with Polished 
Apple Awards.
  Lew Rudin bet on the city, even in its darkest hours; and he bet 
right every time, in part because he helped solve the city's biggest 
problems. In the mid-1970s he helped rescue New York from the brink of 
bankruptcy by convincing corporations to prepay their property taxes.
  He beat back an effort by the President of the United States to 
abolish deductions for State and local taxes, which could have caused 
an exodus of businesses operating in the city.
  He persuaded the U.S. Tennis Association to move within Queens, 
rather than outside of New York. He gained landing rights for the 
Concorde, enhancing our stature as the business capital of the world. 
He helped expand the New York City Marathon to the five boroughs. 
Today, 30,000 athletes participate and millions watch around the world.
  Lew worked with me recently to transform the dream of a Second Avenue 
subway into a reality, and he championed the cause of bringing the 
Olympics to New York in 2012.
  Serving in various roles, Lew was a leader and member of a broad 
array of New York institutions, from North General and Lenox Hill 
Hospitals to Central Synagogue and Ford's Theater to Meals on Wheels 
and New York University. His enormous contributions to so many 
institutions made Lew Rudin an institution unto himself, and prompted 
the New York City Landmarks Conservancy to designate him a living 
legend landmark.
  Anything Lew Rudin loved, he also served. An avid golfer, Lew founded 
First Tee, which was dedicated to

[[Page H8824]]

 bringing the game to the inner city. He knew how to get things done.
  But as a third-generation American whose grandfather immigrated from 
Poland with only the change in his pocket, Lew did what he did mostly 
for ordinary New Yorkers: he fought to improve their quality of life, 
enhance the resources available to them, and to make a very special 
city all the more unique.
  Lew Rudin left behind a tremendous legacy of visible accomplishments, 
but he is also responsible for all sorts of contingencies that never 
came true, crimes that did not happen, companies that did not leave, 
criticisms of New York that were not uttered because Lew's efforts made 
them invalid.
  Tonight we honor Lew Rudin with kind words, but tomorrow we must 
honor his memory with good deeds. Mr. New York, we thank you, we miss 
you. May you sleep in heavenly peace.
  Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record other eulogies and statements 
regarding Lew Rudin:
  Mr. Speaker, if anyone watching tonight has ever called New York 
``The Big Apple'' or uttered the words ``I Love New York,'' I hope they 
will join me tonight in remembering the man who brought those phrases 
into the public domain.
  His name was Lewis Rudin, but he was better known as ``Mr. New 
York.'' On September 20 at the end of his (80th?) summer Lew Rudin 
succumbed to cancer.
  We all know what happened in New York nine days earlier. As we look 
to rebuild and renew New York after the tragic events of September 11 
we must do so with Lew Rudin's vigor, vision, imagination, spirit, and 
wholehearted love, for our great city. At a time when the New York City 
skyline has two gigantic cavities, I take heart in knowing that it is 
populated with many buildings developed by Lew and his family--7.5 
million square feet of office space, and more than 3,500 apartments 
that New Yorkers call home.
  The Rudin family has never sold a building it developed, embodying a 
virtue that too few people value and practice today: And that is 
loyalty. Lew was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, his city, 
and his father's commitment to rewarding New York because New York had 
rewarded his family.
  Lew was a tireless booster and advocate for New York City. He co-
founded the Association for a Better New York which has lived up to its 
title time and again. It has brought us better public schools, improved 
transportation and cleaner and safer streets.
  The Association became a civic watch dog rewarding those who enhanced 
our city with Polished Apple Awards.
  Lou's civic accomplishments were legion. As a developer he called his 
civic involvement enlightened self interest. The rest of us call it 
tireless philanthropy and activism. Lew Rudin bet on the city even in 
its darkest hours. And he bet right every time in part because he 
helped solve the city's biggest problems.
  In the mid-seventies he helped rescue New York from the brink of 
bankruptcy by convincing corporations to pre-pay their property taxes. 
He beat back an effort by the President of the United States to abolish 
deductions for state and local taxes which could have caused an exodus 
of businesses operating in the city. He persuaded the U.S. Tennis 
Association to move within Queens rather than out of New York. He 
gained landing rights in New York for the Concorde--enhancing our 
stature as the business capital of the world.
  He helped expand the New York City Marathon to the five boroughs.
  Today 30,000 athletes participate and millions watch around the 
world. Lou worked with me recently to transform the dream of a Second 
Avenue subway into a reality. And he championed the cause of bringing 
the Olympics to New York in 2012.
  Serving in various roles Lew was a leader and member of a broad array 
of New York institutions: from North General and Lenox Hill Hospitals 
to Central Synagogue and Ford's Theater to Meals on Wheels and New York 
University.
  His enormous contributions to so many institutions made Lew Rudin an 
institution unto himself, and prompted the New York Landmarks 
Conservancy to designate him a ``Living Landmark.''
  Anything Lew Rudin loved he also served. An avid golfer Lew founded 
First Tee, which was dedicated to bringing the game to the inner city.
  Yes, Lew was on the speed dials of the rich and powerful. He was a 
force to be reckoned with and he knew how to get things done. But as a 
third-generation American whose grandfather immigrated from Poland with 
only the change in his pocket Lou did what he did mostly for ordinary 
New Yorkers.
  He fought to improve their quality of life, enhance the resources 
available to help them and to make a very special city all the more 
unique. Lew Rudin left behind a tremendous legacy of visible 
accomplishments. But he's also responsible for all sorts of 
contingencies that never came true. Crimes that didn't happen. 
Companies that didn't leave. Criticisms of New York, that were not 
uttered, because Lew's efforts, made them invalid.
  Tonight we honor Lew Rudin with kind words. But tomorrow we must 
honor his memory with good deeds.
  Mr. New York we love you. We thank you. We miss you. And we'll get 
right to work. May you sleep in heavenly peace.

 Eulogy by David N. Dinkins--Funeral Services for Lewis Rudin Central 
    Synagogue, New York City--Sunday, September 23, 2001; 10:00 a.m.

  Rabbi Rubinstein; Cantor Franzel; Rachel; Jack and Susan; Beth and 
Clift, Billy and Ophelia; Carlton and Kyle, Samantha and Michael; Eric 
and Fiona, Madeline and Bruce Grant, Kathy and Nancy; President 
Clinton; Governor Pataki; Senator Schumer, Senator Clinton; Mayor 
Giuliani; Governor Cuomo; and the many other family and friends here 
today to remember Lewis Rudin.
  I have always looked upon Lew as a brother, and I am feeling an 
unspeakable sorrow at his passing. I ask your forbearance as I attempt 
to share my thoughts.
  I am reminded this morning of two others who regarded each other as 
brothers--the great theologians and activists, Rabbi Abraham Heschel 
and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was Rabbi Heschel, author of the 
definitive text ``What Manner of Man is the Prophet?,'' who was called 
upon by Coretta Scott King to eulogize her husband who, 
parenthetically, was later the subject of a fine biography by Lerone 
Bennett, entitled ``What Manner of Man.''
  As the biblical reference that moved both Heschel and Bennett told 
us, the world is yet in awe of that manner of man who ``even the wind 
and the sea obeyed'' upon his command ``Peace, be still.'' Rabbi 
Heschel and Dr. King have long since found their answers to the 
question, ``What manner of man?'' And today, we each have our own 
answers . . . with respect to the man, Lewis Rudin.

       What manner of man is this that even the wind and the sea 
     obey? Well, we know that our dear friend was a powerful man, 
     though not perhaps so powerful that he could literally calm 
     the wind and the sea. He did, however, have the power to calm 
     an entire city in its times of storm and crisis. He not only 
     had such power, he used it on every occasion that threatened 
     his city's future. And he used it well. We will hear the 
     truth of this often this morning, and rightfully so, for we 
     are thankful for the strength, the wisdom, and the love that 
     guided him in his mission here on earth.
       What manner of man was Lew Rudin. Lew Rudin was a man whose 
     name became known to every New Yorker. He was, as many have 
     said and will always say, ``Mr. New York.'' He earned that 
     title. His extraordinary passion for his City and his spirit 
     of public service will live on in our hearts as long as there 
     is a New York. To Lew Rudin, New York City was more than a 
     place . . . it was a people--a people whose struggles and 
     joys, uniqueness and oneness, touched his heart and moved him 
     to take on our burdens as his own.
       What manner of man? Many knew what manner of man he was by 
     his deeds. He was a moving force and guiding light behind so 
     many of the things that have become part of the fabric of New 
     York--the many buildings of the most famous skyline in the 
     world; the New York City Marathon and its Rudin Trophy, born 
     of a collaboration of Percy Sutton, George Spitz and Fred 
     LeBow (it was Percy Sutton who introduced me to Lew); the 
     USTA National Tennis Center (a result of the hard work done 
     with then USTA President Slew Hester) and later the 
     realization of Arthur Ashe Stadium (when David Markin and 
     Judy Levering were President); the ``Big Apple'' and 
     campaigns; and so many other things that make New York, New 
     York.
       Lew Rudin was always there, in times of joy and times of 
     triumph, leading the cheers

[[Page H8825]]

     for this City and making things happen. But, as we know now 
     too well, all is not joy and triumph. And it was during times 
     like these--the toughest of times--when Lew Rudin's 
     ``polished apple'' shone brightest. He knew, as did Dr. King, 
     that: ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands 
     in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at 
     times of challenge and controversy.''
       It was Lew Ruding who stood with Abe Beame on the deck of 
     what was then considered a sinking ship, and brought us in to 
     a safe port. They refused to deliver up New York City to 
     default. Instead, with the help of other faithful New 
     Yorkers--Governor Hugh Carey, Victor Gotbaum, Felix Rohatyn, 
     Barry Feinstein, Jack Bigel, among them--they weathered the 
     storm of the most severe fiscal crisis this city has ever 
     seen.
       And, with a national coalition in which Senators Moynihan 
     and D'Amato, Cardinal O'Connor, Jay Kriegel, and my other 
     brother Charlie Rangel played pivotal roles, Lew went toe-to-
     toe with the President of the United States to fight off an 
     attempt to abolish deductions of state and local taxes--a 
     move that would have caused corporations to flee our City. It 
     couldn't have been done without Lew Rudin. This City is, 
     indeed, in his debt.
       Lew Rudin was the heart of what has been called the ``Naked 
     City'', a phrase all the more poignant in light of the events 
     of September 11th. And he gave us so much more than 
     magnificent structures and symbols. He gave us an 
     unparalleled example of civic responsibility and commitment. 
     And, man, do we need him now! In his final days, he was so 
     proud of his fellow New Yorkers . . . of his City's spirit 
     and resilience. He was proud of our resolve to rebuild our 
     structures and reclaim our lives. He applauded the heroic 
     efforts to rescue the missing, honor the dead and restore 
     order to the City he helped to build, helped to save, and 
     loved so dearly.
       Lew Rudin was, indeed, a true friend to this City. And he 
     remained a true friend to his dying day. And this he did 
     because he had a deep and abiding commitment and caring for 
     the people of New York. For all of the people of New York. So 
     many times, Lew Rudin was the only white person in a sea of 
     black and brown faces, whether occasioned by a time of 
     conflict or a time of celebration. Without fail, the annual 
     gathering of the One Hundred Black Men and the Association 
     for a Better New York found Lew and Jack, Howard Rubenstein, 
     Bob Tisch, Alan Tishman, Al Marshal, Burt Roberts and others 
     in brotherhood with Bruce Llewellyn, Arthur Barnes, Roscoe 
     Brown, Luther Gatling and Paul Williams. Lew always welcomed, 
     and was always welcomed by all the communities of this City.
       Lew Rudin lived his life according to very basic 
     principles. He was heir to a family philosophy taught by his 
     beloved parents, Samuel and May, that giving is its own 
     reward . . . and giving of self is glorious. He shared that 
     philosophy with Jack, and passed it on to his son Billy and 
     daughter Beth. He gave his all to this City and its people, 
     and gave of himself to many of us as individuals.
       Those of us who had the great good fortune to know him as a 
     friend and brother have been blessed to know intimately . . . 
     what manner of man he was. Joyce and I will miss you, Lew. 
     Our lives are so much fuller for having known you. You gave 
     us the gift of your wisdom and humor, your counsel and your 
     support . . . you gave us the gift of your friendship. And 
     there is no greater gift. The City of New York is a better 
     place because you were here. And we promise you, Lew, that we 
     will not permit your City to remain buried in ashes. We will 
     rebuild, we will restore, we will reclaim.
       The death of Lew Rudin gives us reason to mourn. But his 
     life gives us so much to celebrate. Lew Rudin has left us 
     with more than memories--he has left us a rich legacy of his 
     friendship, a legacy of caring, and a legacy of doing for 
     others. It is said that service to others is the rent we pay 
     for our space on earth. Lew Rudin departed us paid in full. 
     Let him not look down and find any of us in arrears.
                                  ____


                             By IRA HARRIS

  Louie . . . when Rachel & Billing called Monday and said you wanted 
to see all your friends I cried as I realized there was going to be no 
more golf games or early morning or late night phone calls. When you 
asked me to speak today I felt like I had just been given the greatest 
honor one could receive.
  I want to talk about Lew Rudin, the friend that so many of us were so 
privileged to have. The guy with whom I spend so many good times on the 
golf course. The guy who had that great sense of humor. I remember the 
gleam in your eye when we found out the first time I played the 
Nabisco-Dinah Shore, that my celebrity partner was not one of the great 
sports heroes like Frank Gifford or Bobbie Orr, or a movie star like 
Kevin Costner, but you, ``Mister New York''. I gave you the needle when 
I told you that I was going to ask for my money back, but you then 
reminded me that I was a guest of RJR.
  President Ford reminded me yesterday, when we were telling ``Lew'' 
stories, how Phil Waterman and I got even by telling everybody at the 
Ford tournament in Vail that Rachel had made a ``hole in one'' that 
day. Bob Barrett got you to pick up the whole bill in her honor at the 
party that night at the saloon in Vail. You never complained even when 
Rachel announced that she had now conquered the game and was going to 
retire from golf. President Ford said playing golf with you was always 
a treat. He said to say thanks again for all your support over the 
years to both his and Betty's tournaments, and for being such a good 
friend to both of them.
  It wasn't just presidents who loved and admired you, but it was all 
the pros and caddies too. Whatever tournament you arrived at it was 
always the same, the caddies crying out ``Mr. Lew, Mr. Lew''. They all 
loved you and it wasn't because they were impressed with your swing, 
but because you were you. . . . Then there was the time we were playing 
a tournament and you missed three shots in a row in the sand. You threw 
your club down, took out your cell phone and called your favorite pro 
at Deepdale, Darrel Kestner, to find out what you were doing wrong. 
Yes, Lew, I could go on all day telling Lew Rudin stories.
  You loved to brag about your kids and grandchildren. They were so 
important to you. You left them the highest crown of life--a good name.
  You never let your failing eyesight interfere with golf or anything 
else. Helen Keller was once asked if there was anything worse than 
losing your eyesight, she said, ``yes, losing your vision.'' Louie, you 
never lost your vision.
  Lew, I knew when you got to the first tee up in Heaven, Gray Morton 
was waiting for you. Just remember he's a lousy cart driver and don't 
give him any gimmes, he chokes on the short ones.
  Until we tee it up again . . . I'll miss you.
                                  ____

  Good Morning,
  On behalf of Rachel, Jack, Susan, Beth, Cliff, Carlton, Kyle, 
Ophelia, Samantha, Michael, myself and the entire Rudin Family we thank 
you all for coming. My dad would be upset that we are holding his 
funeral on Sunday, as he knows many of you have sacrificed your golf 
games to be here; he did not like to inconvenience people. But I know 
everyone here is very happy to make that sacrifice and be a part of the 
celebration of his wonderful life.
  Dad, deciding where to seat people today was tougher than seating an 
ABNY breakfast. If you were here today, you would be looking out at 
this incredible audience made up your family, friends, co-workers, and 
the many leaders of business, politics, labor, media, not-for-profit 
and sports world, and the working men and women, like Alex his caddy 
and Jose his doorman, that gave as you used to call New York ``Your 
Town'' its energy and vitality.
  It always amazed me how my father referred to a city of 8 million 
people, a melting pot of every race, nationality, creed and religion as 
just ``a town''. He beautifully and poetically synthesized the capital 
of the world into a small town where everyone knows each other and 
works together to make ``his town'' a better place.
  If my father was standing here today he would ask Mayor Giuliani, 
Governor Pataki, and members of New York's Finest and Bravest to stand 
up and receive our thanks and gratitude for what an incredible job they 
have done to pull this city together during these trying times. He 
would tell us, just like he did with Governor Mario Cuomo the day after 
bombing, what strategies we should be using to rebuild Lower Manhattan 
and then give us a pep talk on how that if we work together we can 
accomplish anything.
  This morning you will hear from the other speakers about how my 
father and his brother, Jack, carried on the tradition, established by 
their parents, May and Sam, of building major office and apartment 
buildings in New York City. And then using that position and power to 
help his town.
  You will hear how he helped save New York City several times from the 
brink of bankruptcy,
  How he formed ABNY in 1971.
  How he saved the United States Tennis Association from moving out of 
New York and How he and Jack helped start one of the world's premier 
sporting events. The New York city Marathon in 1976.

[[Page H8826]]

  You will hear of Dad's golf exploits and how at The Bing Crosby 
Pebble Beach Pro-Am he was on TV for a half an hour having his famous 
golf swing analyzed by Ken Venturi.
  How he loved his many calm, relaxing, quiet games of golf at his 
favorite clubs, Deepdale and The Palm Beach Country Club with his 
buddies, especially Burt Roberts, Ira Harris, Gene Goldfarb, Jack 
Callahan, and Jimmy Peters. Guys, he loved taking your money. For a man 
``almost'' blind he could sure hit those 40 foot puts.
  You will hear about his wonderful medical team at New York Hospital 
and his excellent private nursing staff who cared for him while he was 
ill and helped prolonged his life.
  And I am sure you will hear about many other aspects of a very 
successful, powerful but caring man.
  To his friends he was Lew, Lewis, Luigi, or Mr. New York. But to 
Rachel, Ophelia, Samantha, Michael, Kyle, Carlton, Beth and myself, he 
was just Pops. A man who would stop whatever he was doing, even when 
talking to a Mayor, Governor, major tenant or banker and stop to take 
our call to us give directions because we were stuck in traffic on the 
LIE and wanted to know a short-cut around it. He was a frustrated 
commissioner of transportation. His door was always open and he was 
always available to offer sage advice whether it be a lease 
negotiation, refinancing, personal problem or a putt on the 7th hole of 
Deepdale. ``Four inches outside the cup on the right and do not hit it 
too hard or else you will knock it off the green''. Of course many 
times. I hit it off the green but the times I did sink the putt he 
would flash me one of those grins that a father has for a son he is 
very proud of. For Pops family came first and foremost. He loved and 
cherished his family and was very happy when we were all together.
  Pops. we will miss those impromptu visits to the apartment as you 
were heading between 3 cocktail parties and 2 charity, black-tie 
dinners you were going to that evening just to give your grandkids a 
kiss hello. Michael and I will miss our rounds of golf particularly 
with you and Burt. Well, maybe not with Burt. Even when tired from the 
chemo treatment, you were always there for your grandchildren, 
attending a performance by Samantha or going out to dinner just so you 
could be with all of us.
  Rach, Mom, Thank you for providing Pops with his only ever true home. 
He loved what you had created in Palm Beach, he truly relaxed down 
there. We will continue to cherish the memories of all the wonderful 
vacations and holidays we spent together. Thank you for sharing it with 
all of us.
  Pops, Know that we will take care of Rachel and the rest of yours and 
her family. Rach, or as he lovingly called you Dr. Gotsmacher, Pops was 
not the easiest patient but he knew you were always taking good care of 
him and trying to get him back on the golf course. Mom, we love you 
very much and we will never forget the joy and happiness you brought to 
Pops.
  Fifi, that was Pops' nickname for my beautiful wife Ophelia. He loved 
you and knew you were always there for him for the last 25 years, as he 
was always there for you. He knew what an important part you played in 
my life, always giving me support and encouragement and giving me true 
happiness. Your love and dedication particularly during his illness and 
making him feel at peace with his decisions is truly remarkable. You 
helped him fight an incredible fight with will and determination, 
strength and guts that is a role model for us all. Fifi, as he would 
say looking up from behind his desk in the den at Palm Beach, with his 
glasses partially down on his nose, ``Would you mind coming over and 
read the paper to me?'' ``sure Popsical'', she would respond, ``What 
section would you like me to start with?'' He loved you very much.
  Beth, the other night as Dad's breaths were slowing, you hugged me 
and said I had big shoes to fill, I hugged you back and said and I know 
you will help me fill them. Pops relied on you and your wonderful sense 
of philanthropy, your special sensitivity for finding and getting 
involved in causes not necessarily popular but very important such as 
AIDS, homelessness, child advocacy and substance abuse. He was very 
proud of you and loved you very much. He was especially glad to get to 
know Cliff and see you happy.
  Samantha, Michael, Kyle and Carlton, Pops was very proud of you. Each 
very special in your own unique way, but connected by the same 
instincts inherited from Pops--compassion, caring, giving back, and 
each are blessed with the rare ability to bring people together and 
make them feel important and special--just as Pops did.
  You Kids, are his true legacy.
  Thank you Uncle Jack for always being there for Dad and us. Your 
brother loved you very much. Dad cherished your relationship for it was 
a truly unique partnership. He knows that he has left behind an awesome 
responsibility and weight on your shoulders; but know that I speak for 
your kids, our cousins, and Beth, John, Dave, Sidney and myself and the 
rest of the Rudin Management team, we will all help you carry on the 
Rudin tradition. The two of you were true role models on how a family 
business should be run--we will make you proud.
  Thank you all at Rudin Management Company and at ABNY for all your 
support, dedication and love. Lewis cared for all of you and wanted to 
know he appreciated everything you did for him and his family. Last 
week I told him what happened downtown and how brave and heroic our men 
and women performed under unbearable circumstances. He was very proud 
of each and every one of you. He loved you all. He also wanted me to 
especially thank his personal staff and express words of gratitude to 
each of you. Saundra, Lori, Chris, Tammy, Antoinette, Horace, Mary, 
Maggie, Krista, Doris and Isabel, he could not have gotten through his 
busy day and accomplished so much without all of you.
  Several people have asked me what will happen to ABNY now that Lewis 
is not here, the answer is simple, with the wisdom and experience of my 
father's generation, the energy and drive of my generation, the 
enthusiasm and optimism of our children's generation and the love and 
power that fills this sanctuary, we commit to you, Pops, that the ABNY 
legacy will continue and we will fulfill your vision for a better New 
York. I asked everyone here and throughout this great city, to help us 
fulfill Pops' mission and help us rebuild and renew Pops' town.
  One of the reasons I believe my dad fought so long was so that he 
could see his beloved synagogue re-open. Two weeks ago today he 
participated in the rededication. This synagogue and its leadership is 
a role model for downtown. Thank you Rabbi Rubinstein for being such a 
good friend and leader.
  For a man with limited vision, Pops had true vision. He was always 
looking to the future, whether it was the 2nd Avenue subway, new 
baseball stadiums, or bringing the Olympics to NY in 2012; his vision 
stretched throughout his town. For a man who talked to Presidents, 
Governors, Mayors and world leaders and pinned Big Apples on all of 
the, he related to every person of his town, black or white, rich or 
poor the same, with dignity and respect. Pops saw no color, he loved 
everyone. Although he ate at The Four Seasons and ``21'' he preferred a 
Sabrett hot dog with kraut and mustard and a cream soda from the hot 
dog stand on 51st Street.
  Dad was the scientific model for multi-tasking. He was not truly 
happy unless he was in his office simultaneously in a meeting, signing 
leases, barking out to Lori to get the Mayor on line 1; while screaming 
on line 2 to Burt Roberts to be quiet and ``So what if you were in the 
papers more than me today!''
  He has gone in peace and left behind his ``town'' not just a little 
better but a great deal better than he found it--This is all he wanted 
people to remember him by.
  Pops, I know right now you are already meeting with God to organize 
the Association for a Better Heaven, probably telling him to be brief 
because you have a tee-off time with your friend Gary Morton in an 
hour.
  Moments after Pops made the transition to the next world the other 
morning, surrounded by his loving family, the phone started to ring. I 
looked around to everyone and said, ``It must be Pops. he borrowed 
God's cell phone to let us know he got to Heaven safely.''
  We love and miss you Pops.




                          ____________________