The AHRC New York City Board of Directors, staff, membership, people supported and their families mourn the passing of AHRC New York City’s former executive director, Michael Goldfarb, and extend sympathy to his beloved and bereaved family. Goldfarb, a Garrison resident, served as the executive director of AHRC for 36 years. His tireless efforts to improve the lives of people we serve transformed the organization and indeed the entire field of serving those with developmental disabilities.
When he assumed leadership of AHRC 1975, the organization had 200 employees; nearly 40 years later, AHRC employs over 4,000. This remarkable growth is due in large part to the vision and dedication of a man who helmed the agency for over four decades.
In Goldfarb’s retirement speech in 2011, he made sure to give credit to the staff that he believed were the true heroes. “As far as I’m concerned,” he said, “you are the giants, and you did me a great favor by being here and creating this organization … So, for all of you, for the people bigger than me, I thank you so much, because you’ve made us what we are…”
His intelligence and vision were unsurpassed, as were his deep caring and compassion for the people supported by AHRC and their families. His political savvy and ability to create change was always impressive, and people supported felt comfortable going over to him to ask questions and make requests; he never failed to respond to them with respect and humor.
Along with his wife, Priscilla, Goldfarb was a prominent supporter of the Putnam County History Museum, St. Philip’s Church in the Highlands, and other local organizations. He is survived by his wife, his sons Will, Abe and Ben, their wives and his grandchildren. Our sincere condolences to all of them.
Laura Kennedy, President AHRC New York City, President, NYSARC Inc.
Gary Lind, Executive Director, AHRC New York City
