Senate Resolution No. 2688

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Herbert Hadad, an
award-winning writer, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hadad of Pocantico Hills, New York, died on
Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hadad was born on October 6, 1936, to Morris and
Norma Hadad in upper Manhattan; he and his family moved to Boston where
he grew up in the neighborhoods of Dorchester and Roxbury; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Roxbury Memorial High School, Herbert
Hadad earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern
University; during his early 20s, he moonlighted as a featherweight
boxer and worked as a copy boy in the newsroom of the Boston Globe,
where he fostered his love for writing; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hadad distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Herbert Hadad joined the presidential campaign of
Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as the deputy press secretary, and
spearheaded public relations for a fledgling educational children's
television program called "Sesame Street"; a character based on him
named Herbert Birdsfoot appeared in a number of seasons; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hadad also started a cable television program
called "On Writing" with his friend, taught writing at the Hudson Valley
Writers Center in Sleepy Hollow, where he also served on the Board of
Directors and the Executive Committee; was a founding board member of
the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve; and governor
emeritus of the Silurians Press Club, a venerable journalism society;
and

WHEREAS, As a capstone to his career, Herbert Hadad proudly served
18 years as a press officer for the United States Department of Justice
for the Southern District of New York for six United States Attorneys
including Mary Jo White, James Comey, and Preet Bharara, and received
several accolades for his work; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Hadad was a man of many words, and through those
words, truly made a difference in numerous lives, during his lifetime,
and as he hoped, for years after his death; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Alvin, Herbert
Hadad is survived by his wife, Evelyn; two sons, Edward (Adlin) and
Charles (Alice); one daughter, Sara Le Brusq; four grandchildren, Evan,

Willow, Maya, and Damian; one sister, Sylvia Rosenberg; and many
in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, students, and colleagues,
all of whom will cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Herbert Hadad leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Herbert Hadad, an award-winning writer, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Herbert Hadad.