Jon Kest, Executive Director of New York Communities for Change, Dies

Jon Kest, a long-standing member of the south Brooklyn community and an advocate for social and economic justice throughout New York State, died Wednesday night.

Kest was executive director of New York Communities for Change and father of Jessie Streich-Kest, who was struck and killed by a falling tree in Ditmas Park during Hurricane Sandy. 

Many have taken to social media to express their feelings about Kest. 

"Saddened by the loss of Jon Kest," wrote Speaker Christine Quinn on her Facebook page.

"He was a tireless advocate and a true champion for equality and justice," she continued. "New Yorkers lost a passionate voice for those who so often are voiceless. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his colleagues at New York Communities for Change for continuing his fight."

"We mourn a brother in the social justice struggle..the definition of 'community organizer' We continue the struggle in memory. RIP Jon Kest," tweeted Councilman Jumaane Williams, D-Ditmas Park. 

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer tweeted: "Jon Kest was a progressive leader who devoted his life to speaking for people without a voice. Today we should re-commit to his ideals. I was lucky to know Jon Kest as both an activist and a kind friend, and I join with so many New Yorkers in mourning his loss."