NY Coronavirus: Former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky Dies

GREENBURGH, NY — Richard Brodsky, one of Westchester's most formidable politicians, died Wednesday at 73. He was sick with what appeared to be the new coronavirus, but his test results had not been returned, according to news reports.

Brodsky served in the state legislature from 1983 to 2010.

His wife Paige told The Journal News that the longtime Greenburgh resident had been tested for the virus on Friday.

The news brought an immediate outpouring from across New York.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie singled out the state's Environmental Protection Fund as a sample of Brodsky’s work.

Brodsky, who was known for his sharp mind and well-thought-out positions, was a Westchester County legislator before going to the State Assembly. He was unsuccessful in runs for county executive and state attorney general.

"In many ways he's not defined by the races he won or the races he lost," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer, "Rather the universal respect for his intelligence, his ability to foresee issues that became important, long before the rest of us did."

Most recently he was a columnist and commentator.

"Richard Brodsky’s death is a profound and shocking loss for the Westchester community and the entire State of New York," said state Assemblyman David Carlucci. "He was someone I deeply respected and admired for his conviction to always fight for the issues that would make our society a better place to live. He was a vocal advocate for organ donation and held government accountable. His voice in local and State politics will be missed. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends."

His face appeared Wednesday morning in a gallery of coronavirus victims during Gov. Andrew Cuomo's midday news briefing.