MARTIN BEGUN

BEGUN--Martin S.,

whose long and distinguished career in the fields of medicine, public service and community relations set the highest standard, died suddenly on Saturday of complications from pneumonia. He was 85 years old, but remained actively engaged to the end of his life. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 20 years, the real estate entrepreneur Louise Sunshine, step-children Suzanne, Samuel and Paul Sunshine, and three step-grandchildren Alexa and Marc Mendel and Arielle Sunshine. Born to Judith and Michael Begun, Martin grew up in New York City, which remained the center of his life and activities. He received a BA from the University of Wisconsin, and an MA from the Department of Public Law and Government from Columbia University, where he also did post-Graduate work. He was a Senior Fellow at Taub Urban Research Center of NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration. Martin performed Military service as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard from 1955-1960. He served as Chairman of the New York State's Liberal Party. Martin was a partner in Reiter/Begun, a private sector consulting marketing and management firm for governmental and community relations. He was also President and Founder of MSB Strategies, a public policy planning consulting firm. Prior to that, Martin, also known as Dean Begun, served for more than 35 years at New York University School of Medicine and Medical Center as Senior Associate Dean and Vice President for External Affairs with Dr. Saul Farber. Martin was a member of numerous boards, and was Board Chair for the Baruch School of Public Affairs, as well as a board member for the Parks Council of New York City, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and the American Red Cross of Greater New York. He was Chairman of the Community Services Board of the New York City Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and Chairman of the Board of the New Milford Foundation. He served on the New York State Hospital Review and Planning Council, on the Task Force on Police Community Relations, and on Governor Pataki's Task Force on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century. He was appointed by Mayor Giuliani to the New York City Korean War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Commission, was a Member of the Battery Park City Authority, the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and the Jonas Center. He was President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, board member of Lechters, Inc., and a member of the Advisory Board at Tri Cap Health Group. Martin has received many honors including those from Housing and Human Services, the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, and the Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies. He loved classical music, theater, politics, and spending time in Florida with Louise and Beni. The funeral service and interment will be held on Wednesday at 10am. A memorial service will take place in June. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Red Cross or the American Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC) would be appreciated.