LEONARD E. YOSWEIN

YOSWEIN--Leonard E. Family, friends, and co-workers mourn the death of Hon. Leonard E. Yoswein, born September 8, 1920 in Manhattan. After a long and distinguished life of public service, he died on February 25, 2011. Judge Yoswein's career began at age 16 when he managed father Adolph Yoswein's tuxedo rental shop after his father was injured. He graduated from Brooklyn College, then enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and served as a Captain on the China/India/Burma Route as a navigator, assisting in development of early LORAN navigation systems. Upon his return, Judge Yoswein received his J.D. from NYU Law School and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 1949. Early career pursuits focused on labor law, before he began a lengthy career in public service. From 1961-1968 Judge Yoswein represented the Canarsie area in the New York State Assembly as a liberal Democrat. His humanitarian nature led him to a role as Chairman of the Assembly Mental Health Committee as well as focusing on initiatives like creating more open access to adoption in the state. Elected to the New York City Civil Court in 1969, he later left the bench and served New York City as "Compassionate" Commissioner of the New York City Department of Rent and Housing Maintenance, leading the city's efforts to ensure adequate heating in public housing during the Arab oil crisis. In 1975 he was Executive Assistant to the Mayor of the City of New York for Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1976 Judge Yoswein was elected to the Kings County Supreme Court and was most recognized as Administrative Justice of the New York State Supreme Court for Brooklyn and Staten Island, presiding over headline gathering trials including the arraignment of David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) and trial of P. O. Robert Torsney. After retiring from the Supreme Court in 1997, he continued as an Administrative Law Judge for the U.S. Social Security Administration. Easily recognized with his van dyke, bright blue eyes, and broad smile, and clad in his preferred cut-offs and casual attire, he always knew how to have fun, while guiding and supporting family, friends, and co-workers. But his primary mission was justice with compassion, over a long and distinguished career. He is survived by daughter Rebecca J. Yoswein; grandchildren Kelly and Sean McGreen; beloved companion Hon. Sarah "Sallie" Krauss; sister Renee Zeiger (Bernie), sister-in-law Martha Yoswein. Predeceased by daughter Kathie I. Yoswein and brother David J. Yoswein, as well as Dorothy Yoswein. Services will be held at Boulevard-Riverside Chapel, 1895 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York on March 1, at 11:00am.