May Newburger, a seminal force in politics as a former state assemblywoman and North Hempstead Town supervisor, died on Thursday at her Great Neck home from cancer. She was 92 years old.
Newberger’s life touched the careers of many other politicians as a friend and mentor.
Rep. Gary Ackerman called her a champion of environmental protection and women’s rights who “worked tirelessly on scores of issues.”
“I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of May Newburger. She was an icon in local politics and a great mentor, colleague and friend,” Ackerman said. “May was a trailblazer and a true public servant who dedicated her life to helping her community and her constituents.” She was a champion of environmental protection, women’s rights and many other initiatives. Her leadership on these issues will never be forgotten, and while she will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on for many years to come.
Ackerman recalled finding her in good spirits when he visited her in May at her Great Neck home, just before the unveiling of the proposed May Newburger Cove in Port Washington.
Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel said Newburger’s courage has inspired her and called her “an amazing woman and public servant” who “always did the right thing for the right reason”
“She was brilliant and articulate, yet remarkably modest-always sharing her success with those around her. I love May and will miss her friendship and wise counsel,” Schimel said.
State Sen. Jack Martins said, “May was an icon in government here in Nassau County and certainly within the Town of North Hempstead. She was also a trailblazer for women everywhere. Her dedication on several important issues such as the environment and women’s rights left an indelible mark on many of our communities. She will be missed.”
Newburger was born in Springfield, Mass. on Jan. 22, 1920. She was raised by her mother and an aunt and lived in Cuba for a time before returning to New York and graduating from Hunter College and Columbia University.
Newburger first venture into politics was unsuccessful, as she lost in a race for New York State Senate in 1976. Two years later, she successfully ran for a state Assembly seat which she held until 1986. She subsequently served two years as a town councilwoman and was elected North Hempstead Supervisor in 1994, ultimately serving five terms in that office.
Town officials credit Newburger with transforming a $7 million budget deficit when she took office to a $7.7 million surplus by the time she left. Working to protect and preserve local lands and waterways, she is credited with closing landfills, and cleaning and sealing them. She initiated the reclamation of one old sand mine property that is now the Harbor Links Golf Course with an accompanying housing development. Newburger is also credited with creating The Environmental Legacy fund which continues to be a tool to preserve open space and create additional park land in all parts of the Town.
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, who visited her last Monday, worked as town public safety commissioner for two years when Newburger was supervisor. He remembered her sharing her thoughts and advice with him when he became town supervisor.
“She was really a woman of such substance and depth. It was an honor to know and to work with her. She will be sorely missed,” Kaiman said.
Newburger is survived by her son, Peter, of Great Neck. Her husband, Jack, predeceased her in 1978. A memorial service for her is planned for late September.
