AARON B. DONNER

DONNER--Aaron B., respected attorney and political leader, died Friday, December 6, 2013 surrounded by his family in Bay Shore, New York. He was 88 years old. Aaron's life represents a great American success story. His father was a Russian immigrant who entered the US through Ellis Island. Aaron was born in 1925 and raised in Jamaica, Queens. He enlisted in the Army in World War II and fought in the Battle of Saipan. After the war, the GI Bill supported his undergraduate and Law degrees at NYU. He married Doris Schneider in 1951, and moved to Bay Shore, where he established a law practice specializing in real estate and became a leading legal figure on Long Island. He had a passion for politics, became active in the New York Democratic Party and Campaign Manager for Congressman Otis G. Pike, serving as his Congressional Aide from 1961-1978. He took pride in helping to create Congressional designation of the Fire Island National Seashore. He was chosen as Chief Counsel for the House Select Committee on Intelligence, and with Pike, led an historic investigation of the US Intelligence Community, leading to significant reforms of the CIA. In 1989 Aaron was appointed by then-Governor Mario Cuomo as Chair of SUNY Stony Brook Council. Aaron lived a full and accomplished life, pursuing his passions for family, recreation, and social activism with equal vigor. He adored sailing and fishing on the Great South Bay, and was never happier then when on the water in his boat. Aaron's Maine Lobster boat, the "Hannah J." was the source of great pride and enjoyment. He held an unflinching commitment to improving society and, together with Doris, engaged in numerous civil, social and political causes. Notable activism included work for the Development Disabilities Institute of Long Island, Planned Parenthood and Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. After the death of Doris, he retired and continued to divide his time between the Bay, supporting friends and local causes, and becoming an accomplished writer of short stories, based on his life experiences. In recent years Aaron lived with his dear companion, Molly Blue of Babylon with the kind support of Meg Green. Those who knew Aaron will speak of his extraordinary, noble values, his love of his family, his engagement with life and the world around him, his booming voice and mischievous sense of humor. He despised injustice and took every opportunity to challenge it, becoming a role model who influenced and shaped the lives of family and those around him. He leaves a proud legacy of achievement, integrity and love. Aaron is survived by his three children; Lauren, Jonathan and Ann, his grandchildren; Jesse, Becky, James, Julian, Olivia and Noah, and his daughter and sons-in-law; Louise, John and Kelley. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations are sent to Calvary Hospital, Planned Parenthood and the Developmental Disabilities Institute of Long Island.