Westchester Leaders React To The Death Of A Beloved Local Newsman

YONKERS, NY — The publisher of the "Yonkers Insider" has died leaving both a hole in the lives of those who knew him, and a hole in local news coverage.

Delfim Heusler's unexpected death came just days shy of his 54th birthday.

"We are deeply grieved to hear of the passing of Delfim Heusler, longtime editor of the Yonkers Insider," Congressman, and former Westchester County Executive, George Latimer said in a statement posted on social media. "He loved the people and the community he covered, Yonkers, and he will be missed by his legion of friends and readers."

Latimer's successor, also marked the loss in public comments.

"Westchester County is saddened by the passing of Delfim Heusler, publisher of the Yonkers Insider, an online publication that has covered news in Yonkers and Westchester County for over 21 years," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement reacting to the news. "Delfim was committed to keeping residents informed, providing consistent coverage of local government, community events and issues that mattered most to his readers. His dedication to transparency and public access to information made him a trusted voice in Yonkers and beyond."

Jenkins said the loss is shared across the community.

"On behalf of Westchester County, I extend my deepest condolences to Delfim Heusler's family, friends and colleagues," the county executive said. "His work had a profound impact on our community, and his legacy will endure through the many people and stories he touched."

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano echoed those sentiments, describing why Heusler was so important to Westchester's largest city.

"He was a local blogger who loved Yonkers and wanted to make a difference through his storytelling," Spano said. "Rest in Peace, Delfim Heusler, Founder of Yonkers Insider."

Councilmember Anthony Merante said that the loss was both personal, and a shared grief.

"Delfim was more than a local blogger — he was someone who loved Yonkers and worked tirelessly to make a difference through his storytelling," Merante said. "His dedication truly made an impact. He was a gentleman, a kind soul, and he will be missed by me and by many others. Delfim's passing leaves a void in our community. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues, confidants, and all who were fortunate to call him a friend. Rest in peace, Delfim Heusler."