Ex-School Board Member Who Helped Develop World Trade Center Dies

GREAT NECK, NY — Michael Zarin, a former Great Neck School Board trustee who helped develop and finance the World Trade Center, died on Sunday. He was 89.

Zarin went to Brooklyn Community School, P.S. 208, and Midwood High School before graduating from Dartmouth College in 1953. He then graduated from Columbia Law School and the Harvard Business Advanced Management Program.

In 1956, Zarin began his 28-year career at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he was chief of the finance division, according to his obituary. A primary project was the development and financing of the World Trade Center.

In the private sector, Zarin was the vice president and manager of the New York public finance office for Bank of America. And, until his death, he was chairman and CEO of Wellfleet Investments, LLC.

"Mike brought gusto, commitment, and an abiding sense of fairness and decency to all his endeavors," his obituary read. "His memory will be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."

Throughout his life, Zarin held many positions, including being an advisor to the Debt and Fiscal Policy Committee of the Government Finance Officers Association and chairman of the Law Committee of the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association.

An engaged member of his community, Zarin was a Great Neck Board trustee who acted to re-entrust curriculum to outstanding professionals after that educational principle was threatened, according to his obituary. He was also on the board of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce and active in many public service initiatives, including housing for seniors.

Zarin is survived by his beloved wife, Renee (Kroll), whom he married in 1956; his three children, Cynthia, Dina (Ben), and Daniel; his 10 grandchildren, whom he considered his immortality; and his three great-grandchildren. His sister, Eve Zarin, also survives him.