Lew Fidler, a one-time Democratic City Councilman from Brooklyn, has died. His death on Sunday comes just two days after he was discovered while unconscious in a Queens movie theater.
Fidler, who according to the New York Post underwent a double kidney transplant in 2014, was discovered inside the theater at around 11:30 p.m. Friday, police said. He was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died around 12:30 p.m. Sunday without having regained consciousness.
“He was a truly remarkable man and a remarkable dad,” his widow, Robin Fidler, told The Post. “He made me happy when things were sad. He made me feel beautiful on days I felt just . . . ugly. He made me feel thin on days on days when I gained a little too much weight. Just everything you would expect or want for yourself.”
According to the web site kingscountypolitics.com, Fidler was a graduate of Tilden High School in East Flatbush and the NYU Law School. He served in the city council from 2002 to 2013 representing Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Georgetown, Flatlands, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Gerritsen Beach, Madison and Sheepshead Bay.
“Until his death, Fidler was also a Make Democratic District leader and a leader of the 41st Assembly District Democrats Club, along with Lori Maslow and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein,” the web site continued. “Fidler and the club regularly held the largest Toys for Tots giveaway for underprivileged children during the holiday season.”
Many have already paid tribute to Fidler. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said, “I join all Brooklynites in paying homage to our brother and friend Lew Fidler, and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his loving wife Robin, his sons, and all in his family upon his passing.”
“Lew was of great assistance to me in my formative political years. As a result of his assistance, we later became colleagues, and during my tenure as borough president, he has served as a vital member of my team. As an elected official, Lew was truly committed to fighting long and hard for those he served. He always stood up for what he believed in, with true courage in his convictions. Lew was a man of high integrity and strong moral values, a devoted husband and father. He made a tremendous mark on New York City, and in particular the borough he proudly called home. Lew will missed, but never forgotten,” Adams added.
“We’ve shared almost 40 years of politics together,” noted Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio. “I was his most avid supporter when he wanted to run for city council, and found him an outstanding partner in our universe of politics. He was one of the best campaign strategists that I knew and was committed to bettering the lives of the people he served. My deepest condolences to Robin and their family on this enormous loss.”
