Sid Davidoff, Influential Power Broker, Passes Away at 86
ALBANY – The political landscape of New York is in mourning following the death of Sid Davidoff, a well-known power broker who dedicated decades to forging connections with the state’s most notable leaders. He was 86.
Davidoff, who served as an aide to former Mayor John Lindsay, passed away early Sunday morning in a hospital in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by family, according to his widow, Linda Stasi.
Describing him, Stasi remarked, “He was just a real New York guy,” emphasizing his identity as a proud “Jewish tough guy.”
One notable incident that captured his character occurred in 1970, when Davidoff intervened at City Hall as staff attempted to honor the students killed at Kent State University during a Vietnam War protest by raising a flag at half-staff, despite contrary orders.
Stasi recounted a moment when he tried to rush to the cupola of City Hall, only to be stopped by a postman who tossed him down the stairs. “He lowered it, went to the edge of things, held up his finger in a peace sign,” she explained, signaling the start of what became known as the helmet riots, where construction workers clashed with anti-war demonstrators.
During his tenure with Lindsay, Davidoff earned recognition for bridging divides during challenging times, particularly following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Jeff Citron, who later became his business partner, shared, “It was Sid who united all the leaders, including leaders of Harlem gangs, to ensure Lindsay was safe when he visited and could manage the unrest.” This was a pivotal moment in maintaining peace.
Keith Wright, the current chair of the Manhattan Democratic Committee and a member of the Davidoff law firm, recalled being a kid at the time of those events in Harlem.
From an external perspective, the soft-spoken Lindsay and the rough-around-the-edges Davidoff might have seemed mismatched. Yet, Liz Holzman, a former city auditor from Lindsay’s administration, noted that they were “politically inseparable.” She highlighted that Davidoff’s efforts in 1968 enabled the Lindsay administration to effectively govern.
After his stint in public service, Davidoff established his own firm, now known as Davidoff Hatcher & Citron LLP. They had planned to celebrate the firm’s 50th anniversary on Monday, but that event has been called off.
Davidoff’s insights were sought by countless mayors and governors, including Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, who found him sincere and compassionate. “He literally helped everyone who needed help,” Citron remarked.
Notably, in the 1990s, when the United States Tennis Association needed assistance, Davidoff, a passionate advocate for tennis, stepped up. He played a key role in securing a deal with his friend and tennis partner, then-Mayor David Dinkins, that resulted in Arthur Ashe Stadium becoming the permanent home of the U.S. Open.
“Signing that contract so everyone could share the same court as the great players is one of his most cherished achievements,” Stasi stated, adding that Davidoff’s final wishes included being cremated in his tennis attire, not a suit.
Davidoff took pride in being listed as number 12 on President Richard Nixon’s list of known adversaries, but according to Stasi, despite gaining various foes throughout his political journey, he remained “the kindest and smartest person I have ever known.”
A dedicated parent and grandparent, Davidoff loved taking his grandchildren on adventures and relished teaching them poker, Stasi shared. He succumbed to an infection following shoulder surgery.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences, stating, “Sid Davidoff was a great person with a tremendous impact on this community. His loss is profound.”
One of Davidoff’s partners, Larry Hatcher, reflected, “He always did what he thought was right for the city and put politics aside for New York’s benefit.”
