Melvin David Wolf

WOLF--Melvin David 75, of New York City and East Hampton, NY, died on Monday, August 20, at New York Beth Israel Hospital. Melvin was a long time New York City commercial real estate broker. He was President of the firm Wolf and Macklowe and other business associates include Julian Studley, and Henry Kessler. Born in New Jersey, the son of the late Victor and Irene Wolf, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Howard and Judith Wolf of Lawrenceville, NJ; a nephew and his wife Lewis and Connie Wolf of Las Vegas, NV; two nieces, Marcia Wolf of Lawrenceville, NJ, and Phyllis Wolf of Hamilton, NJ; and two great-nephews, Ian and Gordon Wolf, both of Lawrenceville, NJ. He was preceded in death by his life partner of many years, Charles Cohen. A graduate of Rutgers University, Mel was a veteran of the United States Army. He was an avid Yankee fan and art collector. He enjoyed swimming and world travel. Friends and family will remember Mel for his engaging personality and discussions about current events, movies, and theater. Mel was the chairperson of the Second Tuesday Lecture Series at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center in Manhattan for more than 20 years. Through his leadership, the series presented over 100 noted speakers representing every major cultural award in America, including Larry Kramer ( who founded Act-Up at a Second Tuesday lecture ), Christine Quinn ( NYC City Council President ), Alan Hollinghurst ( British Booker Award Winner ), David Dinkins ( NYC Mayor ), Michael Cunningham ( author of The Hours ), John Amaechi ( first out gay professional NBA basketball player ), and Arthur Laurents ( Broadway writer and director ). He was also a chairperson of the Pat Parker /Vito Russo Library book discussion group. A memorial service will be held at Crestwood Memorial Chapel 199 Bleecker Street New York, NY on Wednesday August 29, 2007 10:30am-12:30pm. Donations in honor of Mel Wolf may be made to the LGBT Center: The LBGT Center 208 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 620-7310.