Notable Locals Pass Away: Remembering Richard Brodsky, Earl Graves and Jane Nusbaum

Richard BrodskyFormer Assembly Member Richard Brodsky passed away on April 8 at the age of 73. Brodsky was a former County Legislator who served in the NYS Assembly from 1983 to 2010. More recently he wrote a weekly column for the Albany Times Union and wrote his last piece on how Governor Andrew Cuomo is handling the Coronavirus crisis.

Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino issued the following on the passing of Brodsky: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who was a tireless advocate for the people of Westchester during his 28 years in public service. He was a progressive leader who cared deeply about the people he represented and was passionate in his pursuit of environmental conservation and investigating public authorities. Richard’s unexpected passing is a significant loss for the entire community. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the Brodsky family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said, “Richard was a brilliant public servant and a hard working and dedicated leader who fought hard for Greenburgh during his life. He mentored many public officials and was known for his independence. He was an effective watchdog of taxpayer dollars who was respected by leaders in Albany, Washington and locally. He pushed for numerous changes in state and local governments and devoted his life to helping others. Richard fought against the state’s Public Authorities and pushed for a more open government.”

Feiner noted that Brodsky lived in one of the oldest buildings in town. He said, “His house, built in 1793 (although its foundation dates all the way back to 1684) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the late 18th and 19th centuries it served as Greenburgh Town Hall, a historical significance that Richard enjoyed talking about.”

Earl Graves

Former Scarsdale resident and founder of Black Enterprise Magazine Earl Graves died on April 6 at the age of 85. The cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease. Black Enterprise was the first magazine owned by an African American and featured black entrepreneurs.Earl Graves

Graves lived in one of Scarsdale’s premier homes at 8 Heathcote Road and raised three children there. When the home was sold, the new owners were required to maintain the façade of the home as it was deemed historic. 

In January 2006, Graves named his eldest son, Earl “Butch” Graves, the company’s new chief executive officer.

Earl G. Graves Sr. was previously chairman and CEO of Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., L.P., the largest minority-controlled Pepsi-Cola franchise in the United States. He acquired the $60 million franchise in July 1990 and at the end of 1998, sold it back to the parent company for which he continued to be actively involved as chairman of the Pepsi African-American Advisory Board.

Graves was a graduate of Morgan State University and gave $1 million to the school which renamed its business school the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management in 1995.

Jane Nusbaum

Jane Nusbaum passed away at the age of 85 on April 4, 2020. She was a past president of the League of Women Voters President, served as a Scarsdale Village Trustee for four years, and in the leadership Westchester Reform Temple. She was on the board of Scarsdale Family Counseling Service and did work on behalf of Sarah Lawrence College. Nusbaum was inducted into the Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2014.

This from the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale

Jane Nusbaum (right) with Debbie Miller“The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale is sad to share the passing of beloved past President, Jane Nusbaum. Jane was an active and engaged League member for many years. She graciously and generously hosted a past annual event called the "Strawberry Festival," a meeting that she held in her home for League convention attendees to report to the Board and Membership. At Jane's event, strawberry treats were served to all attendees. She provided thoughtful input in our many League discussions and made sure to attend all League luncheons for many years. The League is deeply saddened by her passing and we extend thoughts of comfort and love to her family and friends.”

Friend and neighbor Evelyn Stock said that Nusbaum was her friend for 40 years and neighbor for 35 years. She called Nusbaum “intellectual, smart, capable and committed to doing things for others.” She said a streaming funeral service was held for Nusbaum on April 9, 2020.

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