Former Southern Brooklyn Council Member Lew Fidler Dies (Notice of Funeral Arrangements)
Sheepshead Bay — Former City Councilman Lew Fidler and current district leader of the 41 assembly district died Sunday, May 5. He was 62.
Fidler walked into a Queens movie theatre seeking help Friday night after not feeling well, according to Robin Fidler, his wife. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he died on Sunday after undergoing two surgeries on Saturday.
“He was supposed to meet me in Monticello at 5:00 pm,” said Robin Fidler who told Bklyner she last spoke to her loved one Friday a little past noontime. “I knew something was wrong.”
Fidler, an attorney, represented the 46th council district between 2002 and 2013. He ran unsuccessfully in a 2012 special election against attorney David Storobin, a Republican, losing by 14 votes. He remained active in politics and served as a district leader in the 41 assembly district until his death.
Politicians took to Twitter to eulogize the Brooklyn stalwart, including Mayor Bill de Blasio who served alongside Fidler in City Council.
“Chirlane and I are deeply saddened by Lew Fidler’s passing,” the mayor tweeted. “As a member of the City Council, Lew embodied courage and compassion. He was a champion and protector to runaway youth and some of the most vulnerable kids in our city. Keep his family in your prayers today.”
Chirlane and I are deeply saddened by Lew Fidler’s passing. As a member of the City Council, Lew embodied courage and compassion. He was a champion and protector to runaway youth and some of the most vulnerable kids in our city. Keep his family in your prayers today.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 5, 2019
Councilman Chaim Deutsch who currently holds the 48th council seat which encompasses Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach and Brighton Beach, took to Twitter upon hearing of the news.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lew Fidler, a friend & former Councilman,” Deutsch tweeted along with a photo of himself, Lew Fidler and Robin Fidler. “Lew’s quick wit & kind generosity were legendary, and a blessing to all who were privileged to know him. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family.”
“Southern Brooklyn will never be the same,” he added.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lew Fidler, a friend & former Councilman. Lew’s quick wit & kind generosity were legendary, and a blessing to all who were privileged to know him. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family.
Southern Brooklyn will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/VardMzKrt6
— Councilman Deutsch (@ChaimDeutsch) May 5, 2019
Borough President Eric Adams sent a press release expressing fond memories of Fidler.
“I join all Brooklynites in paying homage to our brother and friend Lew Fidler, and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his loving wife Robin, his sons, and all in his family upon his passing.”
Fidler leaves two sons Max and Harry and his wife Robin Fidler.
“He was a wonderful man,” his wife Robin told Bklyner. “We loved him very much.”
The couple met 36 years ago when the New Way Democratic Club—to which Lew Fidler belonged—merged with the Harry S. Tuman Democratic Club. The couple married in 1986.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services are on Tuesday, May 7 at I.J Morris Funeral Directors at 1700 Coney Island Avenue.
All are welcome.
